Nuffield Health Brentwood nurse struck off over fentanyl theft

Jane Barker, a registered adult nurse and clinical lead for endoscopy, stole fentanyl while employed at Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) held a fitness to practise hearing on February 10 and 11, where Miss Barker was found unfit for duty between August and September 2023.

Colleagues reported erratic behaviour, frequent trips to the toilet, and bumping into equipment.

On September 23, 2023, she appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court and was convicted of theft by employee between September 13 and 21, and of possessing a Class A drug.

The NMC panel confirmed the convictions as conclusive proof of these offences.

When challenged by managers to empty her bag on September 21 2023, Barker ran to the toilet, later returning where managers emptied her bag, finding it to contain strips of tablets, cyclizine, empty saline ampoules, lids of controlled drug ampoules and used needles, the panel heard.

She admitted during a subsequent interview to taking fentanyl and cyclizine vials from the hospital and using them at home.

The panel ruled her actions breached several sections of the NMC Code, including duties to keep clear and accurate records, handle medicines safely, reduce the risk of harm, and uphold the profession’s reputation.

It concluded that her conduct risked patient care, damaged public trust, and seriously violated professional standards.

Despite admitting her actions during the investigation and pleading guilty in court, Barker did not participate in the NMC proceedings or show evidence of reflection or remediation.

Nuffield Health confirmed that Barker no longer works at the hospital.

A spokesman for Nuffield Health said: "We have robust processes in place to identify any concerns at an early stage, and we take swift and appropriate action whenever issues are raised."

As strike-offs cannot take effect immediately, the panel imposed an interim suspension order for 18 months.