Nurse forged stolen prescription forms to feed drug habit

A NURSE who stole prescription forms and forged doctors’ signatures to get medicines to feed her drug habit is among three who have been struck off the official nurses’ register.

The nurses who were struck off by An Bord Altranais were found guilty of professional misconduct.

Lata Chadbuhai Timoney was struck off after the nursing board’s fitness to practice committee said she was incapable of working due to her drug dependency. Ms Timoney was employed as a staff nurse at a nursing home. An Bord Altranais found the nurse had taken unused prescription forms from two doctors without their authority or consent.

She subsequently forged their signature on the forms to obtain a number of controlled drugs, including morphine and other painkillers between December 2006 and May 2007 for her own use.

Meanwhile, Caitríona Brigid Ní Cuinneagáin was struck off after being found guilty of charges linked to the care of patients.

Between June 2006 and October 2006, Ms Ní Cuinneagáin (also known as Careen Cunningham) failed to provide proper treatment to six different patients as well as failing to keep proper records of administering medications.

Another nurse, Merlin Joseph, was struck off after the board concluded that during her time as a staff nurse at an unnamed hospital between May 2006 and September 2007 she had failed to display a level of competence that would enable her “to deliver a safe and/or acceptable standard of professional nursing care to patients”.

A psychiatric nurse, Rutendo Lillian Juru, was suspended as a result of failing to display a sufficient level of competence and knowledge while working as a staff nurse at an unnamed facility in 2007.

Over 88,000 names were listed on the nursing register at the end of last year, of which over 68,600 are currently practicing.