Posted 04 December 2017 - 14:19
Posted 04 December 2017 - 14:19
News
Nurse struck off for assaulting colleague
Care home nurse touched colleague while caring for a resident
A nursing home nurse has been struck off for inappropriately touching a colleague in front of a resident.
Mukesh Veetil inappropriately touched and kissed a colleague while caring for a resident at a nursing home in Somerset on 19 January 2016.
Fundamental breach
An NMC fitness to practise panel decided on 24 November that Mr Veetil should be removed from the register for conduct that ‘breached a fundamental tenet of the profession’ and fell significantly short of the conduct and standard expected of a nurse.
The nurse attended the first three days of the hearing, but did appear for the determination of sanction. His union representative said the finding would result in Mr Veetil being deported.
'Offering support'
During the hearing, Mr Veetil denied wrongdoing, suggesting he had touched his colleague’s shoulders for ‘psychological support’ and that she had forced his hand under her tunic and inside her trousers.
However, the NMC panel told him: ‘You appeared confused and changed your account on more than one occasion.’
The panel said that furthermore, if Mr Veetil’s colleague had assaulted him, he had a duty to report it.
Defence 'implausible'
Mr Veetil claimed to have reported the alleged assault when defending himself against accusations, but said he may not have been heard because he spoke in a low voice.
There was no record of Mr Veetil reporting any attack and the panel found his explanation to be ‘inherently implausible’.
Claim not upheld
A second colleague alleged on a different occasion that Mr Veetil locked her in a flat and kissed her. The panel did not uphold the allegation after finding the complainant's evidence was ‘not consistent’ and ‘difficult to accept’.
The NMC found impairment on the grounds of public protection and said Mr Veetil’s refusal to admit what happened indicated ‘a real risk of repetition of the misconduct’.
Mr Veetil has the right to appeal within 28 days.
Further information
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