NMC lifts practice restriction on a Christian nurse dismissed after discussing faith with patients
Nurse Sarah Kuteh accepts she 'went too far' by giving a patient her Bible, spokesperson said
A nurse who lost her job after talking to patients about her faith and giving one her Bible, can practise without restriction again after the regulator lifted its order placing conditions on her practice.
Sarah Kuteh was dismissed from Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, Kent in 2016 after complaints from patients about her behaviour.
Following her dismissal by Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, Ms Kuteh was referred to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and placed on a four-month conditions of practice order that required her to practise only when under the close supervision of a senior nurse. During this time, she worked at a nursing home.
On 26 July, the NMC ruled Ms Kuteh is now fit to return to full practice and lifted the restrictions on her registration.
Ms Kuteh was supported in the NMC proceedings by campaign group Christian Concern and the Christian Legal Centre.
In a statement, Christian Concern told the panel Ms Kuteh conceded that giving her own Bible to a patient had been ‘going too far’, and that she should have used a Bible from the hospital chaplaincy instead.
The NMC said Ms Kuteh was now aware of the importance of maintaining professional boundaries.
The panel considered the risk of Ms Kuteh repeating the behaviour as low and concluded: ‘It is in the public interest to return an otherwise experienced and competent nurse to practice.’
In a statement, Ms Kuteh thanked her supporters. ‘Had it not been for your support, quite frankly I would have been lost,’ she said.
‘I pray that the Lord will reward you all for the wonderful job you are doing, and for believing in me.’
Christian Legal Centre chief executive Andrea Williams said: ‘Although it’s disappointing she was ever penalised for her actions, which were wholly motivated by compassion, we rejoice that Sarah is once again free to bring her expertise to her role as a nurse.’
A Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust spokesperson said it was pleased Ms Kuteh could now continue her nursing career.
Last year, an independent employment tribunal ruled the trust’s dismissal of Ms Kuteh had been fair.
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