Maternity nurse sentenced for reckless conduct

A woman who took epidural medicine meant for pregnant women in her care has been sentenced.
Victoria Hospital in KirkcaldyVictoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy
Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy

Caroline Heap (41) was working as a staff nurse on the Maternity Unit at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.

Between October 17 and November 7 last year, Heap used syringes to withdraw medicine from sealed intravenous bags for her own use.

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Heap, of Glenrothes, was subsequently charged with culpable and reckless conduct and pled guilty at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on April 18.

She has now received a sentence of 250 hours of community service to be completed within 12 months.

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.”

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Helen Wright, director of nursing at NHS Fife, 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.”