A nurse has been sacked after posing for photographs dressed in patients’ underwear.
Police are also now investigating James John Turner, 21, after pictures emerged of him wearing a bra and pants over his hospital uniform.
It is understood the 21-year-old, who worked in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary’s acute geriatric ward, claimed the underwear belonged to dead patients.
He is alleged to have sent one of the images to a friend with the caption: “What I do at work.”
Turner is pictured in one of the images with his thumbs up.
A second nurse is understood to have been suspended over claims she took the pictures.
A spokeswoman for Age Scotland, which campaigns for better treatment of the elderly, welcomed the quick response from NHS Grampian.
She said: “All patients deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. It is good to see that NHS Grampian has acted swiftly in this case.”
Unions spoke last night of the dangers of NHS staff posting media messages to friends or on social networks.
Martin McKay, Unison representative at NHS Grampian, said: “The message I want to get out to staff is that they should be fully aware of the advice we give out on use of mobile devices and social media. We expect them to work to the highest standard of conduct.
“The issue of social media and how it is used by NHS staff has been around for a long time.
“People think that sending a message to friends is bulletproof, but that is not always the case.”
A NHS Grampian spokeswoman said: “NHS Grampian has concluded its internal investigation and as a result Mr Turner’s employment has been terminated with immediate effect.
“We are aware that Police Scotland are making their own inquiries. No further details will be released.”
A complaint was lodged with the health board by a member of the public, with the photographs handed over to officials.
It is understood the complainant raised the alarm after receiving the images from the auxiliary.
Dr Jean Turner, of the Scottish Patients Association, said: “You shouldn’t have to remind people not take photos of any kind while on duty in the interests of professionalism and patient confidentiality.”
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “We are aware of the allegations and are at the early stages of an inquiry to establish if any criminality has taken place.”