Security systems ‘tightened up’

Caroline Heap overcame Victoria Hospital’s strict security procedures in place to protect patients as she committed her crime.

NHS Fife said yesterday that systems had since been improved to prevent a repeat occurrence.

Director of nursing Helen Wright said: “This was a serious breach of the professional standards we expect of our staff.

“Patient safety is of the utmost importance and we are constantly reviewing our systems and processes to ensure patients receive safe care of the highest quality.”

She added: “Since this incident came to light we have subjected existing procedures around controlled drugs to further review, taking the opportunity to tighten up protocols.”

Detective Inspector Graeme Dursley of Kirkcaldy CID welcomed yesterday’s sentence.

“Heap risked the contamination of sterile medicine and her actions were completely inexcusable,” he said.

“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to staff at the Victoria Hospital for their vigilance in detecting and reporting this, as well as NHS Fife for their support.”

A spokeswoman for industry regulator the Nursing and Midwifery Council said an interim conditions of practice order had been placed on Heap, meaning she could still work as a midwife but only under certain conditions.

However, Heap’s solicitor said the first offender would not be returning to the profession.

This was a serious breach of the professional standards we expect of our staff. HELEN WRIGHT, OF NHS FIFE

How the case of Caroline Heap was reported in The Courier.