A Fife nurse who failed to stop an evil carer from dragging a dementia patient backwards on a chair at a care home has quit the nursing profession.
Alison Frew was hauled in front of the Nursing and Midwifery Council after the shocking incident took place at Strathburn Lodge, Glenrothes, in March 2019.
Two care assistants told the watchdog that Frew had witnessed the upsetting situation, which unfolded in the dining room, but failed to intervene.
She also did not report it to management but resigned before a disciplinary hearing addressing her actions could be held by home bosses.
Frew was initially suspended from working in the field for nine months following a hearing in February this year.
But a NMC panel found her fitness to practise continues to be impaired as she has failed to show “full insight by addressing her guilt and remorse for her actions”.
In a statement to the watchdog, Frew said: “I know my inaction to this incident does not do the profession any good and creates lack of trust with the healthcare profession and this is something that I deeply regret doing as I have been a registered nurse for over 30 years and have always been proud of my profession and the work I did.
“It was all I had ever wanted to do right from childhood and deeply regret how my career has ended and wish I could make things better for the everyone concerned and change what happened.
“I have no intentions of ever returning to nursing and do not wish to be employed within the care sector.
“I will continue to work in the shop and create my own jewellery business and enhance my jewellery making skills.
“If this does not work, I will seek employment within the retail sector. I’m sure it will not come to this and that our gift shop will continue to thrive.”
The NMC has allowed Frew’s registration to lapse which will see her name automatically removed from the register from December 16.
In a decision notice published online, the watchdog said: “The panel noted that Mrs Frew had developing insight to her actions in a reflective piece, however it was not satisfied that Mrs Frew has demonstrated a level of remorse and insight to show that she is no longer impaired.
“In its consideration of whether Mrs Frew has taken steps to strengthen her practice, the panel took into account training certificates on Dementia Care.
“However, it was of the view that the risk has not been mitigated as Mrs Frew has not practised as a nurse since a suspension order was imposed and therefore has not been able to provide evidence of strengthened practice in a caregiving role.
“Further, the panel was of the view that a Level 2 online course is insufficient to demonstrate that Mrs Frew has addressed the serious nature of the charges found proven.
“In light of this, this panel determined that Mrs Frew may be liable to repeat matters of the kind found proved.
“The panel therefore decided that a finding of continuing impairment is necessary on the grounds of public protection and patient safety.”
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