A midwife accused of administering a drug which caused more than 20 unborn babies to have an abnormal heartbeat says her life has been ruined by false allegations.
The Press and Journal revealed last month that Kirsteen Stewart – of Newmachar – had lost her fight to avoid facing professional disciplinary proceedings.
The 49-year-old was suspended from Aberdeen Maternity Hospital in 2010 after concerns were raised by colleagues about her clinical practice.
She was subsequently sacked by NHS Grampian and will now face a professional conduct hearing in front of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) which could result in her being struck off.
Now Mrs Stewart has called the investigation “flawed”.
She says she has been devastated by the accusations and would never have deliberately hurt anyone.
In addition, she also alleged she was targeted by colleagues after lodging a complaint of bullying against a senior staff member.
Describing herself as a “whistleblower”, she says her life is now ruined.
And Mrs Stewart has called for the matter to be looked at by an independent body.
A report by the NMC alleges that between October 4, 2007 and March 13, 2010, Ms Stewart administered a drug which caused unborn babies to develop bradycardia – when the heart beats very slowly.
Police launched an investigation when concerns were first raised but decided in 2012 they would not take action.
NHS Grampian said it would not comment while the legal case is ongoing.