Fife staff nurse took patients’ medication for her own use
A Fife nurse, who took epidural medicine meant for pregnant women in her care, was today sentenced.
Caroline Heap (41), from Glenrothes, was working as a staff nurse on the Maternity Unit at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.
Between 17 October and 7 November 2016, she used syringes to withdraw medicine from sealed intravenous bags for her own use.
Heap was charged with culpable and reckless conduct and pled guilty at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court last month.
She has now been sentenced to a community payback order with 250 hours of community service.
Detective Inspector Graeme Dursley of Kirkcaldy CID said, “Heap risked the contamination of sterile medicine and her actions were completely inexcusable.
“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to staff at the Victoria Hospital for their vigilance in detecting and reporting this, as well as NHS Fife for their support.”
Director of Nursing at NHS Fife, Helen Wright, said, “This was a serious breach of the professional standards we expect of our staff.
“Patient safety is of the utmost importance and we are constantly reviewing our systems and processes to ensure patients receive safe care of the highest quality.
“Since this incident came to light we have subjected existing procedures around controlled drugs to further review, taking the opportunity to tighten up protocols.”
