Louise Woodgate had been employed by a private healthcare provider offering in-home clinical services for hospitals, including James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston.
She was dismissed in April 2023 during her probation period.
An aerial view of James Paget Hospital (Image: James Paget Hospitals)
Concerns were raised about her competency in infection control and medication management while delivering intravenous (IV) care to patients.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) concluded that her actions amounted to misconduct and posed a significant risk to patient safety.
In its decision, the NMC said: “Your actions were significant departures from the standards expected of a registered nurse and are fundamentally incompatible with you remaining on the register.”
Ms Woodgate now faces being struck off in 18 months unless she appeals the decision.
The NMC panel heard that Ms Woodgate displayed limited understanding of patient medications, asked how to take blood samples in front of patients and was unable to resolve a non-functioning infusion bag.
She also attempted to connect a syringe containing air to a patient.
The panel identified repeated failures in infection control, including not cleaning equipment, neglecting to wash hands, improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and not maintaining a sterile field during medication administration.
Ms Woodgate, from Suffolk, was also found to have lied about taking a patient’s respiratory rate and then instructed a colleague not to disclose the omission.
The James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston (Image: Newsquest)
The panel described her behaviour as dishonest and said it may “indicate a deep-seated attitudinal issue”.
Furthermore, Ms Woodgate, who had worked for Homelink Healthcare, did not talk with patients, explain procedures or her actions, “presented as rude and awkward” and displayed a lack of empathy when delivering sad news.
The report said: “A pattern of conduct representing a lack of competence is present throughout the charges found proved, which poses a risk of harm to patients.
“There remains a risk that conduct of the kind found proved could be repeated in the future.”