A registered nurse in Gorseinon, Swansea, has been struck off after making “deplorable” comments to a patient at the Awel Y Mor Care Home. Katie Evans, a nurse with 10 years of experience, was found to have told a colleague to cover a patient’s head with a pillow and leave her in a soiled condition. The Nursing and Midwifery Council heard evidence that Evans had made disturbing remarks about Patient A on multiple occasions in November and December 2019.
The care home caters to young adults with complex needs like acquired brain injury and Huntington’s disease, as well as elderly residents. Despite not attending the hearing or entering pleas, Evans was found guilty of three allegations, including suggesting the smothering of Patient A with a pillow. Another allegation involved inciting violence towards the same patient. Furthermore, Evans failed to provide timely care to Patient A when she soiled herself, indicating a lack of professionalism and empathy towards the vulnerable individual.
The panel at the Fitness to Practise hearing deemed Evans’ conduct as falling far below the expected standards of a registered nurse. They noted a high risk of repetition in her behaviour and described her comments as deplorable. Awel Y Mor Care Home, where the incidents occurred, provides person-centred care to individuals with a range of complex needs, aiming to support their independence to the best of their ability.
Despite colleagues defending Evans as a good nurse, highlighting the challenges of caring for a patient who required frequent assistance, the panel concluded that her actions warranted removal from the nursing register. The severe nature of Evans’ inappropriate remarks and neglect towards Patient A led to the unanimous decision to bar her from practising nursing.