A NURSE has been suspended for 12 months after striking an elderly patient during a challenging incident at Withybush Hospital.

The suspension followed an incident in May 2022 on the trauma and orthopaedic ward, where nurse Primrose James, described as experienced and respected, was assisting an 80-year-old man known as Patient D. The patient, who had been recovering from a broken hip for six months, had a history of lashing out at staff.

A healthcare assistant who witnessed the event reported that James had struck the patient across his face and tapped his cheek after he had hit her. Recalling the incident, the assistant told the panel: “Primrose was standing beside the bed when she struck him across the face and then tapped him on the cheek, telling him off for hitting out.”

Reflecting on the incident, Ms. James expressed regret, noting her intention was never to harm patients. “This was a difficult encounter in a fast-moving situation,” she stated. “Knowing his history of aggression, I should have anticipated he might strike out, but I reacted instinctively in the moment.”

ALLEGATIONS REVIEWED

At the Nursing and Midwifery Council hearing, Ms. James faced multiple allegations. Two were substantiated: that she struck the patient and tapped his cheek. Allegations that she had acted further aggressively by pressing on his forehead and making unprofessional comments were dismissed as unproven.

The panel acknowledged Ms. James’s previously unblemished 16-year career, her extensive experience with dementia patients, and her immediate remorse following the incident. It was noted that Patient D’s aggressive behaviour was a recurring issue on the ward, and despite staff regularly facing his outbursts, no measures had been implemented by senior staff to manage the situation.

NEED FOR SUPPORT

In its decision, the panel criticised the lack of support for managing Patient D’s behaviour, stating: “Staff had reported ongoing assaults, yet action to address the patient’s aggression was lacking.”

While the panel determined that Patient D suffered no physical harm, they raised concerns about the potential for psychological distress to the patient and his family.

12-MONTH SUSPENSION

The panel ultimately ruled that a 12-month suspension was necessary to reflect the seriousness of the misconduct, despite Ms. James’s previously clean record and her remorse over the incident. The panel remarked: “This was an isolated incident involving a challenging patient, but a suspension order is warranted to underline the gravity of the incident.”

Ms. James’s suspension is subject to review at the end of the 12 months.

THE RNLI are offering lifesaving beach safety advice as lifeguard patrols come to an end in Wales for the 2024 season.

This weekend (2-3 November, 2024) RNLI lifeguards will conclude their patrols at Whitesands Beach, St Davids. Lifeguards will be patrolling from 10am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The RNLI are offering safety advice to help keep beach users safe during the winter months. Chris Cousens RNLI Water Safety Lead for the region said: “As the lifeguard season ends in Wales and wintery conditions have begun to hit our coastline, we’re asking people to take care and be aware of the dangers.

“If you visit a beach, never go alone. It’s vital that you have company who could get help, in the event of an emergency. Take note of safety signage at the entrance to the beach which will warn of the local risks and hazards, and if possibly speak to someone who might be local who might be able to also provide advice.

“Always check the weather and conditions and consider your capabilities, if in doubt it is better to stay dry and watch the sea than take the risk.

“Strong winds and big waves pose a great risk to those visiting the coast. In these conditions, stay clear of beachfronts, cliff edges and piers.

“You should always carry a means of contact such as a mobile phone, if you get into trouble or see anyone else in difficulty call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

“We’re aware that cold water dipping is becoming increasingly popular. We strongly advise that you should never do this alone. As we get further into the winter months, and the temperature continues to drop, the risk of cold-water shock will increase. Make sure you understand the effects of cold water and that you have means of warming up afterwards.

“If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.”

Bigger waves and stronger winds increase the likelihood and strength of rip currents.

Should you find yourself stuck in a rip current:

• Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted.
• If you can stand, wade don’t swim.
• If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore.
• Always raise your hand and shout for help.

Despite the coming absence of RNLI lifeguards on the beaches, the RNLI would like to remind the public that RNLI lifeboats are a 24-hour search and rescue service with 238 stations situated around the British Isles. When you call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, they dispatch the nearest lifeboat which will come to your aid.

FUNDRAISER Sam Faulkner has completed his 87,000 step challenge and has raised an incredible £2,609 for the Acute Cardiac Care Unit at Withybush Hospital.

Sam completed the challenge in July when he walked along the Brecon and Monmouth Canal from Brecon to Rogerstone in Newport in memory of his father. This was Sam’s second fundraiser for the unit which provided care to his Dad during his last few days.

Sam said: “It was an honour to once again raise funds for the Acute Cardiac Care Unit at Withybush Hospital in memory of my Dad and in recognition of the exceptional care given to him by the lovely staff on the unit during his last few days. We as a family will be forever grateful to the unit for their kindness and I look forward to continuing to raise more money for them in future!”

Katie Hancock, Pembrokeshire Fundraising Officer, said: “We’d like to say well done to Sam for completing his challenge. Thank you so much for dedicating your time to once again raise funds for the Acute Cardiac Care Unit.”

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details about the NHS charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk