Care Manager Struck Off for Resident Financial Abuse

A registered nurse and care home manager in Cumbria, Claire Ann Fitzpatrick, has been struck off the nursing register for financially exploiting vulnerable residents. She unlawfully withdrew approximately £8,000 from one resident's account over a two-month period, between June and August 2021. This left the resident destitute and reliant on others for basic needs. Fitzpatrick also took money from another resident's account, falsely claiming it was for cigarettes for a non-smoker.

During the same period, evidence presented at a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) hearing indicated Fitzpatrick pressured staff members into lending her money. One junior staff member reported still awaiting repayment of £1,000. The NMC panel concluded her actions were dishonest, exploitative, and amounted to financial abuse.

Fitzpatrick failed to ensure adequate care records were maintained for residents between 2019 and 2021. This included crucial documents like mental capacity assessments and care plans, creating a significant risk of unsafe care. She also neglected to report two resident deaths and a resident's unexplained injuries to the Care Quality Commission.

Despite police investigating theft allegations, no further action was taken. However, the NMC proceeded with its regulatory proceedings. Fitzpatrick, who did not attend the hearing but submitted statements focusing on personal bereavement, was found unfit to practice by the NMC panel. An interim suspension order is in place for 18 months pending any appeal.