Addict Nurse Struck Off Register, UK

Main Category: Medical Malpractice / Litigation
Also Included In: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 11 Jan 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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A 40 year old nurse from Hull, Somerset, has been struck off the register after being found guilty of stealing medications to support his drug habit.

Phillip Anthony Seabert was working at Drubin Ward, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital when on three occasions between January 2006 and March 2006 he stole medication, including Codeine and an opioid painkiller called DF118 from the drug cupboard on Durbin Ward for his own personal use without permission.

Mr Seabert admitted that he had been taking DF118 and Codeine regularly since January 2006 and further admitted a long standing addiction to DF118. The independent panel of the Nursing and Midwifery Council's (NMC) Conduct and Competence Committee found that in light of the seriousness of the allegations his fitness to practice was impaired and he should be struck off the register.

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

"The panel reached this conclusion having heard evidence that proved the offences. Stealing, and moreover the theft of drugs intended for patients represents serious misconduct. Although Mr Seabert admitted that he had a serious drug addiction there is no evidence that he took any steps to address his problem. 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