Nurse sacked after patient in her care dies (From Your Local Guardian)

Former St Helier nurse faces further discipline after "basic errors"

7:30am Friday 17th August 2012 in Sutton By James Pepper

A nurse has been sacked after a patient died in her care.

Moora Paulina Mamabolo, a former nurse at St Helier Hospital, has been suspended from nursing for 18 months while the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) investigate allegations.

An investigation by the hospital, following the death of a patient in October 2011, found the nurse had "failed to act properly" in an emergency situation where a patient's condition was deteriorating.

The patient died later that day.

Ms Mamabolo was sacked by Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust but could face further punishment when the NMC conclude its investigation.

An NMC panel said it: "Considers that the alleged failure of Ms Mamabolo to provide basic nursing care is a serious matter for concern. With regards to observing a patient and taking the appropriate action the evidence suggests Ms Mamabolo made basic errors."

At the hearing on August 1 Rebecca Wood, from the NMC, said that an 18 month suspension order was "necessary to protect the public and is otherwise in the public interest."

The NMC panel said the incident appeared to be an isolated incident in an established nursing career, but considered "the nature of the alleged failings are particularly serious and relevant to both the protection of the public and confidence in the professions."

Director of Nursing at Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust Pippa Hart, said: "On behalf of the Trust, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the patient.

"Keeping our patients safe and well cared for is our absolute priority, and our doctors, nurses and other staff are committed to providing a high level of care at all times. However, there are rare occasions when staff do not live up to the standards we would expect of them.

"In rare cases like these, we will not hesitate to act. As such, Moora Paulina Mamabolo was immediately suspended and a thorough investigation was launched. Following the investigation, Moora Paulina Mamabolo was dismissed, and her case was referred to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)."