Baby Nurse Cautioned For Dishonesty, UK

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Also Included In: Litigation / Medical Malpractice
Article Date: 25 Dec 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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A 54 year-old nurse from Liverpool received a five-year caution after lying about being at work and claiming payment for days she did not work.

An independent panel of the Nursing & Midwifery Council heard last week that while working at Zoe's Place in West Derby - a hospice for terminally ill babies - Helen Edge permitted a colleague to clock in and clock out for her but was in fact absent from work.

The incident took place in May 2005 and again three months later in August.

The panel heard that not only did Edge fail to disclose the absence when questioned by the general manager, but went on to intimidate a colleague who gave information about the unauthorised leave.

The independent panel found Edge's fitness to practise impaired by reason of misconduct and imposed a caution which will remain on her record for five years.

Commenting on the panel's decision, Stephanie Guyett, NMC spokesperson said,

"All nurses and midwives have a duty and personal accountability to conduct themselves in a way that justifies public confidence in the profession of nursing. The actions taken by this nurse reveal a pattern of dishonesty and represent a serious departure from the code of conduct."

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 practise within the UK and by setting standards for their education, training and conduct. Currently the number of registrants exceeds 682,000. The Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001 (The Order), sets out the NMC's role and responsibilities.

The independent panel is selected from a pool of individuals appointed by the Appointments Board. They come from a variety of backgrounds and are not NMC Council members, nor do they sit on any committee of the Council.

Nursing and Midwifery Council