Nurse forced Forres care home residents to take medicine by holding their mouths closed
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A NURSE who forced Forres care home residents to take their medicine by holding their mouths shut has been removed from the register.
A report from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) said that Veronica Wallace (68) "forcibly administered" medicine or an "unknown substance" to a resident of Cathay Care Home in Forres.
The report details that Ms Wallace then poured water or an "unknown liquid" into the resident's mouth before using force to hold it shut.
She is said to have then lifted the resident's chin and/or head before rubbing their throat.
The report also noted that she had forcibly administered medicine to residents on "one or more occasions" and that she had shouted and swore at some residents.
Ms Wallace submitted a voluntary removal application on January 19 this year and the registrar made the decision to approve this.
The report said: "A decision has been made by the registrar to approve the application for voluntary removal based on the assessment of the relevant criteria."
It added: "And, in light of the above, your fitness to practise is impaired by reason of your misconduct."
Ms Wallace, a registered nurse since 2002, started working at the care home, which provides care to 40 residents with a range of needs including dementia, in 2017.
Other members of the care home are said to have had concerns over her conduct during this time including the way she had communicated with some of the residents.
However, a witness told investigators that Ms Wallace had shouted and swore in response to "racist remarks" made towards her by two residents.
On February 18, 2019, Cathay Care Home referred Ms Wallace to the NMC which investigated the concerns.
Shortly after, Ms Wallace started working for Abbeyside Care Group in Elgin and remained there from February 28, 2019 until December 8, 2021.
The report added that no further concerns were raised during her stint with Abbeyside.
In an employment reference provided to investigators dated November 30, 2021, Abbeyside said: "During Ms Wallace’s time with the company she has always carried out her duties diligently and conscientiously.
"She always manages to communicate well and to report and record all necessary information accurately and verbally.
"She is a popular member of the team here at Abbeyvale (part of the Abbeyside Care Group).
"We have never received any adverse comments from any of the clients within the home in respect of the care provided by her and she has a good rapport with all her colleagues.
"In short, Ms Wallace is a valued member of the nursing team.”
Ms Wallace admitted the allegations and accepted that her fitness to practise is impaired during a hearing between January 16 and January 20 last month.
She also signed a declaration stating that she will not reapply for readmission to the register for at least five years and provided evidence that she is receiving her state pension, confirming that she no longer intends to practise.
Cathay Care Home have been approached for comment.
