By Oliver Farrimond
A NURSE facing charges of violent conduct towards patients had his tribunal hearing postponed yesterday – because the presenting barrister was struck down by toothache.
Joanne Dirmikis, who was presenting the case against the nurse, had to pull out of yesterday’s tribunal early while urgent dental treatment was arranged.
The news means that respondent Andrew McLean Davidson, 33, will have his case heard later this week pending further treatment on the case presenter’s toothache.
Addressing the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s Conduct and Competence Committee, she said: “A medical issue has arisen about which all parties have agreed I can make an emergency appointment.
“I may be advised to come back for further treatment tomorrow, and will do my best to make sure that any further appointments are booked for the afternoon rather than the early morning.”
Ray Short, who was representing Mr Davidson, added: “I feel very sorry for the case presenter, and hope that she gets better soon.”
Mr Davidson, who works as a nurse in the intensive psychiatric unit of Ailsa Hospital in Ayr, is accused of putting one patient in a headlock and kicking another in the groin.
He is also accused of calling one of the patients a “fucking bastard”.
The charges, which are alleged to have occurred on 16th August 2005 and 31st January 2006, could see Davidson found unfit to practice by the NMC’s Conduct and Competence Committee.
The Committee, headed by chair Catherine Duthie, are due to give their verdict this week as evidence continues to be heard.
