Sabotage case nurse can work again

Rebecca Leighton leaves the Nursing and Midwifery Council in London after the body ruled she can return to nursing
12 April 2012

A nurse who was barred from working after being accused of sabotage at a hospital can return to nursing, a regulatory body has ruled.

But Rebecca Leighton will not be able to return to work at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport while internal inquiries continue into allegations she stole drugs.

The 27-year-old spent more than six weeks in custody after she was accused of tampering with saline solution at Stepping Hill. The charges were dropped on September 2.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) made the ruling after criminal charges against Miss Leighton were dropped.

The NMC ordered an interim suspension after her arrest, which was reviewed by a panel sitting in London. The panel reached its decision after hearing how Miss Leighton had admitted stealing opiate-based drugs.

Announcing a series of conditions limiting her nursing responsibilities, panel chairman Dr John Unsworth said: "The theft of these drugs is a serious matter which, if proved, could call into question the honesty and integrity of the registrant."

Despite being allowed to return to nursing by the regulator, her employer said Miss Leighton will remain suspended on full pay.

Stepping Hill said: "The Nursing and Midwifery Council removed the suspension on Rebecca Leighton's registration but this is subject to an interim conditions of practice order. The Trust will now undertake its own review of the allegations relating to the theft of some medications."

In a statement issued by the Royal College of Nursing, Miss Leighton said: "The CPS dropped all charges against me and I hoped that the NMC would take this into account and allow me to go back to the job I love without any conditions attached.

"I now want to concentrate on building my life back up again, going back to work and clearing my name fully. I want to thank my friends and family who have stood by me every step of the way, and all the people who never doubted me."

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