Boss of Coventry hospital's children's emergency department struck off for fiddling timesheet

[dutchman]

City nurse failed to complete more than 40 shifts at University Hospital in almost two years

A hospital boss who potentially left vulnerable children at risk by repeatedly failing to complete shifts has been struck off.

Sarah Jane Rachael Bratby used to manage the Children’s Emergency Department at University Hospital, Walsgrave, before allegations were made that as well as not working her hours she was still being paid in full.

The allegations related to Mrs Bratby’s employment at the hospital between June 2011 and March 2013.

At a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) conduct hearing, held in the absence of the nurse and any legal representation, it was said that her dishonesty allowed her to gain a “significant financial advantage”.

The hearing was told Mrs Bratby failed to complete more than 40 shifts at the hospital.

As a result following the hearing she was struck off the nursing register, pending any appeal.

In a document released following the conduct hearing the panel who decided to strike Mrs Bratby off said: “The panel has received no evidence from Mrs Bratby which demonstrates any insight.

“She has made no apology nor expressed any remorse. She has provided the panel with nothing that suggests any recognition of the possible effect her conduct, in failing to complete her shifts, might have had on her colleagues or the risks to patient safety when the department was short staffed because she had left early.

“Mrs Bratby has provided the panel with nothing that suggests she understands how the public might view a nurse of her seniority repeatedly acting as she has done.”

She faced a total of ten charges at the hearing relating to her time working either as a nurse or as manager of the children’s emergency department at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.

They related to failing to attend shifts, receiving payment for those shifts, and being dishonest as a result.

She also faced two charges relating to failing to disclose what had happened in Coventry when applying for work as a nurse with Facilitate Care Services Limited.

All 12 charges were found proved.

[rebbonk]

Are steps now being taken to recover the money or are the tax payers left footing the bill?