Prison nurse sanctioned for not treating inmate in 'kind and effective manner'

A nurse at a Liverpool prison has been sanctioned for her conduct towards an inmate after concerns were raised by staff. In February 2022, while working at HMP Altcourse in Fazakerley, Katie Blinston became involved in an incident with a man known as patient A.

A Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) fitness to practise committee was told how after the pair clashed, allegations of misconduct were made to prison management - previously operated by G4S. Miss Blinston resigned before any internal disciplinary hearing could take place.

A report created following the conclusion of the hearing last month detailed how the nurse became involved with the patient who had water to his cell cut off because he had previously flooded it. A charge had been lodged against Miss Blinston that she had “taunted” the inmate - who had severe mental health issues - with a glass of water through his cell door - of which she was cleared.

It was found proven however that she had shouted and sworn at the inmate during the incident two years ago, despite her denials, in which she had been grabbed by the inmate through the cell door. The report said: “The panel considered that in Miss Blinston’s written submission she denied this charge, stating, ‘I cannot recall any incident of this type.

“And I would not have just been arguing and shouting with a patient in that manner. I certainly would not have stated 'I know but he's winding me up', the man was in prison and struggling with severe mental health, I would not behave in that manner.’”

The panel acknowledged that Miss Blinston denied shouting at Patient A but determined that in her written evidence and the other witness evidence there is a suggestion that he would get her in “an agitated state.” The panel considered that his behaviour was likely to have provoked a response from her.

In March 2022, an initial email received by the management team at the prison raised concerns about Miss Blinston. The email raised allegations of misconduct towards vulnerable patients including the use of foul language and issuing medication to a member of prison staff - the latter of which was not proven.

Miss Blinston handed in her resignation letter on March 28, 2022. Despite her resignation, she engaged with the investigation and attended meetings as required.

It was said Miss Blinston had not treated patient A in a “kind and effective manner” in shouting at her, which was deemed misconduct, but it had been accepted she swore at him during a time when she was “being physically assaulted" by patient A, when he pulled at her jacket and removed it through the hatch of a prison cell door. The panel had regard to the specific circumstances and determined that although unacceptable, it may be understandable that Miss Blinston would utter some sort of profanity out of fear, whilst being assaulted by a patient with significant mental health issues.

“The panel was of the view that a reasonable and well-informed member of the public would understand Miss Blinston’s reaction to the assault and would not deem her conduct to be deplorable in that context.” In handing down a sanction, the NMC said it took into account that Miss Blinston was passionate about her career but did not intend to return to nursing.

The report said: “The panel was of the view that to impose a suspension order or a striking-off order would be wholly disproportionate and would not be a reasonable response in the circumstances of Miss Blinston’s case. The panel determined that it could manage patient safety with a conditions of practice order.”

As a result, should she return to practise at any point, she must be observed by another member of staff and inform the NMC of her working environment. This is for a period of 12 months.