A nurse who told a vulnerable dementia patient at Ayr Hospital that she would “wrap you up and take you to the mortuary” has been struck off the nursing register after a fitness to practise hearing.
Lynn Rowan, a bank nurse at the hospital, did not attend the Nursing and Midwifery Council hearing. Five separate charges relating to one night were proved, resulting in a striking-off order and an 18-month interim suspension.
What happened during the night shift
The incidents took place during a night shift on May 5, 2024. The hearing found that Rowan told a colleague she had left her unwell mother at home to look after “that”, referring to the patient.
She was also found to have screamed or shouted at the patient, called her a “horrible woman” and made the mortuary remark. The hearing further found that Rowan slapped the patient on the wrist or hand and shouted “no”.
The patient had been admitted to the unit that evening and needed full assistance with personal care. Decision documents described her as having dementia and possibly suffering from dehydration and an infection. They said she was confused and unable to understand her surroundings or what was being said.
Patient’s distress and the NMC findings
The documents said the patient resisted personal care, shouted and was physically and verbally aggressive towards staff. Staff therefore used restraint techniques while caring for her. It was also alleged that she had called Rowan names and hit out at other staff members.
During another check and attempt to provide personal care, the patient allegedly became agitated and ripped Rowan’s lanyard off. Rowan then slapped her hand and shouted “no”, according to the decision documents.
The fitness to practise committee heard evidence from four witnesses and found Rowan’s misconduct to be “serious”. The panel said her derogatory language, shouting, screaming, mimicking and inappropriate physical contact increased the patient’s distress and fear.
It found that slapping the patient’s hand amounted to an assault. Although no specific physical injury was identified, the panel said Rowan’s conduct was harmful and created a risk of physical and psychological harm.
Referral and sanction
NHS Ayrshire and Arran referred the incidents to the NMC on September 13, 2024. The panel described the mortuary remark as cruel and wholly inappropriate towards a vulnerable patient who lacked capacity. It rejected the suggestion that calling it banter reduced its seriousness.
Although the conduct happened during one shift, the panel did not consider it a single isolated incident. It said the five separate incidents demonstrated a pattern of degrading and abusive treatment and raised serious concerns about Rowan’s attitude and professionalism.