A Moray nurse who took unprescribed painkillers at work and left a drugs trolley unlocked and unsupervised has been allowed to continue practising.
Elaine Garden, who was formerly employed at Cullen’s Wakefield House Care Home, was handed a caution by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) following a conduct and competence committee substantive hearing last week.
Ms Garden, who did not attend the hearing, admitted being “unfit” for a shift on July 21, 2013, having taken unprescribed tramadol – a strong painkiller which affects the brain’s chemicals and nervous system.
She also admitted leaving the drugs trolley unlocked and unsupervised on July 29, 2013.
Further allegations that she arrived at work “smelling of alcohol” on July 29 were not proven.
Her contract with Craigend Care was terminated following the incidents last year.
However, the NMC panel found Ms Garden’s actions did amount to misconduct.
A report on the panel’s findings said Ms Garden had expressed remorse and demonstrated insight into the seriousness of her misconduct.
The report went on to say Ms Garden had a “good nursing history” and that these were “isolated incidents in an otherwise unblemished career”.
A caution order for a period of one year was deemed an appropriate sanction in this case.
Last night a spokeswoman for Wakefield House said no one at the home wanted to comment on the decision.