Nurse who failed to attempt CPR told she mustn’t be put in charge
Sole nurse on a night shift at private hospital failed to show leadership in emergency, NMC panel ruled, before placing conditions on registrant’s practice for 12 months
A learning disability nurse has had conditions placed on her registration for one year after she failed to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an unresponsive patient or show leadership during an emergency.
Annita Nyabunze must not be the nurse in charge on a shift, and must retake intermediate life support training, as well as working with a clinical supervisor to develop her assertiveness and leadership skills.
Lone registered nurse on the night shift
Ms Nyabunze was the only registered nurse on a night shift at the private Cawston Park Hospital in Norfolk in 2018 when Joanna Bailey was found unresponsive in her room. Ms Bailey was not breathing and blood was around her mouth. The nurse was immediately alerted by a support worker.
A Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) fitness to practise panel found she had failed to perform CPR, despite it clearly being the correct clinical action. Its report concluded Ms Nyabunze had failed appropriately to instruct other team members to start resuscitation, or allocate tasks appropriately in light of the unfolding situation.
It was only when paramedics arrived that CPR was begun, but Ms Bailey was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
Ms Nyabunze initially denied the charges against her, although later admitted misconduct. Despite this, the NMC panel said it had seen no evidence of remorse.
Ms Nyabunze was not scheduled to be on duty, but had been drafted in due to staff shortages. This was noted by the panel, which also recognised the emergency had been unexpected and stressful. However, it stated this did not absolve Ms Nyabunze of her responsibilities to show leadership and give clear direction, especially as the nurse in charge, with junior staff.
Conditions placed on nurse’s practice for 12 months
Ms Nyabunze must not be the nurse in charge and must always be supervised by a registered nurse while practising for the 12-month period.
Cawston Park Hospital was closed in 2021 by its owner Jeesal Akman Care Corporation, having been in special measures since 2019. The Care Quality Commission found ‘consistent failures’ at the hospital, which provided care for adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults.
A subsequent independent report into three deaths at Cawston Park, including that of Ms Bailey, found ‘indifferent and harmful hospital practices.’
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