A nurse alleged to have given the wrong medication to a nursing home patient has begun a High Court challenge to a decision of the Fitness to Practise Committee of An Bord Altranais (the Nursing Board) to strike her name from the register of nurses after it found her guilty of professional misconduct.
The challenge has been taken by Gloria Perez (48), whose employment with Craddock House Nursing Home and Care Centre, Naas, Co Kildare, was terminated from September 1st, 2003. She claims the committee was wrong in deciding that she was guilty of misconduct and is disputing its findings.
In an affidavit, Ms Perez said her name was erased from the register in February 2005.
She challenged one finding that she did not have or appeared not to have an adequate knowledge of her duties in respect of aseptic (sterile) techniques and hygiene, particularly in the context of dressings. She also challenged a finding that she did not appear to have an adequate knowledge of drugs and medication.
In particular, it was alleged that in April 2003, she gave the wrong medication to a resident and that she had initially claimed to have poured the medication down the sink.
Ms Perez took issue with this and said she was not permitted to administer medication without supervision. There were two nurses supervising the administration of drugs at the time.
The case continues today.