‘Dementia champion’ abused OAP and called him a paedo
UNACCEPTABLE WORKER STRUCK OFF She put patient at risk, panel says
A NURSING home’s “dementia champion” has been struck off for verbally abusing a patient with the disease.
Marie McLaughlin was hauled in front of social work bosses after screaming in the face of a resident, calling him an “old c***” and a “paedo”.
The domestic, who worked at Whitecraigs nursing home in Thornliebank, Glasgow, also told a colleague that the patient could “f*** off, I’m not doing his room today”.
In a conversation with another colleague, she said the dementia sufferer “liked little girls” and that he “will be going upstairs soon enough”.
McLaughlin denied the allegations but admitted in a letter to the panel that she had been verbally abusive to the man.
The Scottish Social Services Council hearing held in Dundee heard McLaughlin had received training on working with residents suffering from dementia and had taken on the role of “dementia champion”.
McLaughlin worked at Whitecraigs between December 2013 and June 2016, when the allegations were reported to management by two colleagues.
She was immediately suspended and sacked.
A ruling released by the SSSC ruled McLaughlin’s actions amounted to misconduct and her fitness to practise was impaired.
They added: “There is some suggestion that you may have been under a degree of stress at the time but nonetheless your actions placed patient AA and your colleagues at unnecessary risk of harm.”
McLaughlin has until August 12 to appeal the striking off order.