Attack On Wife Gets Nurse Struck Off, UK

Main Category: Medical Malpractice / Litigation
Also Included In: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 13 Jul 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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A 43 year old registered nurse from Kirkintilloch, Scotland has been struck off the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register for an assault conviction that left his wife severely injured and his fitness to practise impaired.

George Preston was convicted of assault to severe injury and permanent disfigurement at Glasgow Sheriff and Jury Court in March 2006. He was sentenced to two years probation with the condition that he attends a change programme for the attack that had grave and permanent physical consequences for his wife. The independent Conduct and Competence Committee panel for the NMC deemed Preston's act to be very grave and a serious breach of his professional Code.

In making their decision, the panel considered that although Preston made an early admission to the police, the courts and the NMC, he had limited insight into his failings. Preston provided no references or testimonials, and provided no evidence of having taken rehabilitative steps. Although the panel acknowledged Preston acted under duress at the time of the assault, the panel believed the assault was deliberate and sustained and concluded that a striking off order was the most appropriate sanction.

Commenting on the panel's decision, NMC spokesperson Kristy Hempel said:

"Preston's conviction was of the gravest nature and demonstrated a serious departure from the standards set out in the NMC Code of conduct. The Code states that a nurse must protect and support the health of the wider community, act in such a way that justifies the trust and confidence the public have in you, and uphold the good reputation of the profession. Preston breached these standards and therefore the panel decided a striking off order was necessary in order to uphold public confidence in the NMC and to protect the public."

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the UK regulator for two professions, nursing and midwifery. The primary purpose of the NMC is protection of the public. It does this through maintaining a register of all nurses, midwives and specialist community public health nurses eligible to practice within the UK and by setting standards for their education, training and conduct. Currently the number of registrants exceeds 674,000. The Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001 (The Order), sets out the NMC's role and responsibilities.

Nursing and Midwifery Council