Abusive Nurse Struck Off Register, UK

Main Category: Medical Malpractice / Litigation
Also Included In: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 11 Jan 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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A 42 year old registered adult and mental health nurse from Douglas, Isle of Man, has been struck off the register for assaulting an elderly patient in his care.

Robert Frederick Pressley was convicted of assault in the Court of Summary Jurisdiction sitting at Douglas, Isle of Man on 21st January 2006 and was ordered three months custody suspended for 18 months, costs of £400 and compensation of £250 or serve 42 days custody in default of payment.

An independent panel of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Conduct and Competence Committee heard evidence of the conviction, including that his actions were deliberate and that Mr Pressley has shown insight into his behaviour and expressed no regret for his actions.

Commenting on the outcome of the hearing, NMC spokesperson Leila Harris said,

"The panel reached this conclusion having heard evidence of the conviction. Mr Pressley was co-director and registered manager of the residential home whre the assault took place and was therefore in a senior position and a role model for the staff in the home. He deliberately injured an elderly vulnerable man and lied about his actions. His behaviour was in complete contrast to that expected of someone in his position. The panel has a duty to act in the public's interest and to preserve the public's confidence in the profession."

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