An Aberdeen nurse who failed to report that a pensioner in her care with dementia had fallen and injured her arm – leaving her with a fractured wrist for two days – has been struck off after a period of suspension.
Nicola MacLean, who was employed at Fairview House Care Home when the incidents took place on a number of occasions between 2013 and 2014, left the woman in pain until she was taken to hospital more than 48 hours later.
A Nursing and Midwifery Council hearing also ruled that Mrs MacLean failed to dispense medication to a resident at the home and did not administer tablets correctly.
She was given a suspension order of 12 months, but an NMC panel has subsequently decided to strike her from the register.
The watchdog said they took the punitive action because Mrs MacLean had not made contact since her last substantive hearing.
A report from the NMC said: “The panel was of the view that considerable evidence would be required to show that Mrs MacLean no longer posed a risk to the public.
“The panel determined that a further period of suspension would not serve any useful purpose in all of the circumstances, particularly as she has not engaged with the NMC since the substantive hearing.
“The panel determined that the only sanction that would adequately protect the public and serve the public interest was a striking-off order.”
Fairview House Care Home was unable to comment last night.
