Staffordshire alcohol misuse nurse crashed car while drink-driving to work

Given her role included working with people with substance misuse issues, that would have led her to “understand more fully the effect of alcohol and driving when attending work the morning after consuming alcohol”, they heard.

In a 30-page decision, the panel said Miss Taylor, who referred herself to the NMC, had also failed to preserve patient safety by intending to attend work while under the influence of alcohol.

They said she had not “recognised the risk of her actions, the damage to public confidence in the profession, and how far her conduct fell short of professional standards expected from a registered nurse”.

Miss Taylor made an “egregious and unacceptable error”, they added, however, no concerns were raised about her professional conduct and the panel agreed she could return to unrestricted practice in the future.

“A suspension order for 12 months would give her sufficient time and opportunity to decide whether this is something that she wished to attempt,” they said.

A spokesperson for the hospital trust said she was no longer an employee.

“The trust has followed its internal HR processes in this matter and has noted and respects the decision of the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

“They are no longer employed by MPFT.”