Warning for care worker in scarf dance

A support worker from Moray has been issued with a warning after causing distress to vulnerable service users.

Connor Wheeler, from Forres, was employed as a healthcare assistant by Parklands Ltd at Lynemore Care Home in Grantown in January 2020, when the incidents took place.

Following an inspection, his fitness to practise was determined as impaired after several residents were left distressed.

Evidence was found that Mr Wheeler danced around a resident’s room while wearing their scarf after being told to stop and also made several errors with moving and handling.

He also provided personal care to a resident by himself when two people were required.

The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) said Mr Wheeler failed to follow care plan procedures and placed “users of services at risk of harm, both physical and psychological”.

The hearing established that he had grabbed the resident, who was identified as AA, under the arms and pulled them up the bed.

The SSSC said it was “a pattern of concerning behaviour” and that Mr Wheeler had abused the trust placed in him by his employers and users of the service.

He was also found to have “distressed” another resident, BB, by failing to use a hoist to move them from a wheelchair to a bed.

Mr Wheeler was given a warning to stay on his registration for a period of 24 months. He will have supervision for six months specifically with regards to moving and handling procedures.

The support worker also must submit a reflective account to the SSSC and submit formal supervision notes.