Deputy manager was struck off for her conduct

a senior nurse at acorn park was struck off after failing to give nine elderly residents their medication.

the Nursing and midwifery Council heard how Catherine robertson tried to cover up the fact she had forgotten to administer the medicine by blaming a colleague.

robertson, who was deputy manager at the facility, arrived for her 2pm shift on November 8, 2013, and was handed the keys to the medicine cabinet to carry out the lunchtime round. at 6pm she realised she had forgotten to do the crucial task but did not contact the residents’gp or tell her boss.

Instead, an investigation by the NmC found that she went to“considerable lengths”to cover up her mistake.

she called the staff nurse and tried to shift the blame onto her colleague.

the staff nurse in question told the hearing that mrs robertson later admitted on the phone she had failed in her duties. she was then dismissed by owners balpride limited.

mrs robertson was not present at the hearing which found the nurse had shown little remorse or empathy for her colleague.

the Care Inspectorate told the News four separate complaints raised concerns over acorn park’s record in preventing falls and accidents, use of pressure mats, administering personal care and keeping relatives informed.