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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Ross Thomson

Wishaw care worker struck off by regulator after "extremely serious" conduct with dementia patient

A Wishaw care worker has been struck off by the social care regulator over his “extremely serious” conduct.

Robert Fairley received the ultimate sanction from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) after shouting at one woman, who suffered from dementia, refusing to take her to the bathroom, claiming she didn’t need the toilet as she had defecated in her bed and telling a colleague: “I’ve had enough, I’m f****** sick of her!”

The SSSC report states: “The behaviour is very serious.

“Social service workers are expected to communicate with service users in an appropriate way and must not abuse or harm people who use services.

“You (Fairley) shouted at resident AA, who was living with dementia, and spoke to her in an aggressive, crude and disrespectful manner.

“In doing so, you were abusive and failed to communicate appropriately.

“You refused to take AA to the bathroom when she requested. In doing so, you failed to respect AA’s wishes and provide an acceptable level of care.

“In addition, you spoke to your colleague about AA in a derogatory manner, which is indicative of a lack of respect and compassion for AA and a disregard for her dignity.

“You have not demonstrated insight, regret or remorse. This offers no reassurance that the behaviour will not be repeated.

“The risk of repetition has been assessed as moderate. Were your behaviour to be repeated, vulnerable service users would be put at risk of psychological harm.”

Fairley had been employed by the unnamed care home since September 2016, had not been the subject of any previous concerns and had co-operated with the SSSC’s investigation.

However, as the behaviour caused or had the potential to cause AA emotional harm then a removal from the register was the only option.

The report concludes: “A warning would not be appropriate as the behaviour is extremely serious.

“You have not demonstrated insight, regret or remorse. A warning would give no protection to service users or the public.

“.A suspension would not offer any protection, in the long-term, against the risks you are deemed to pose.”

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