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Nurse's Dishonesty Led to Vaccine Chaos
27 Apr
Summary
- Nurse administered vaccine through patient's clothing.
- Dishonest accounts of the incident were sustained.
- Actions placed patient and colleagues at risk of harm.

A tribunal has ruled that a registered nurse, referred to as Donnelly, engaged in sustained deceit and manufactured dishonesty regarding a vaccine administration incident. The nurse administered a vaccine through a patient's clothing, an action deemed unnecessary for that day and a serious departure from expected standards.
Colleagues reported feeling uncomfortable but unable to voice concerns, contributing to a "scene of chaos" as described by oral evidence. Donnelly's claim of unawareness was rejected, with the panel finding her actions were driven by a desire for convenience, not overwhelming pressure.
Her conduct placed the service user at risk of physical harm and exposed both the user and colleagues to emotional harm. The regulator concluded that only a striking-off order would suffice, pending any appeal.