A BABY suffered hypothermia as a result of a nurse’s failure to switch on a humdifier, the nursing watchdog has alleged.
It is claimed thtat Craig Wilson failed to switch on a humidifer whilst using a machine to help infants with breathing difficulties.
Mr Wilson is then alleged to have falsely recorded the humidifer as being turned on to conceal his failure.
Mr Wilson was using a CPAP machine, which is used to keep the airways continuously open to help babies with respiratory problems to breathe. A humidifer is used whilst operating the machine to prevent nasal congestion.
The incident occurred on 14 August 2013 at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital in Glasgow.
The charges, which are to be heard at a Nursing and Midwifery Council hearing next month, allege that Mr Wilson “caused or contributed to Baby A developing hypothermia” and that this “contributed to a loss of opportunity for life” for the baby.
They continue to state that Mr Wilson “incorrectly recorded” that the humidifer was turned on, and that this was “dishonest in that [he] sought to conceal [his] failure to turn on the humidifier.”
In a separate charge, Mr Wilson is accused of having signed a chart claiming that he had administered medication to a baby “when the medication had not been given”.
It is claimed that Mr Wilson recorded that he had administered Ranitidine – a drug which prevents the development of stomach ulcers – to the baby.
The charges state that Mr. Wilson also tried to get another employee to sign that the medication had been administered, which the charge again calls “dishonest”.
He then intended to give the baby the dose five and a half hours after it was due “without seeking permission from a doctor”, it is claimed.
This event occured on 4 February 2015 at Southern General Maternity Hospital.
When contacted about the charges, a spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “This man is no longer in our employ, there is no comment.”
Mr. Wilson is due to appear at a Nursing and Midwifery Council hearing on George Street, Edinburgh, from August 15 to August 18.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council regulates nurses and midwives in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and is responsible for ensuring that nurses and midwifes uphold professional standards.
It will be proposed at the council’s hearing that in light of the alleged incidents, Mr. Wilson’s fitness to practice as a nurse is impaired.
If found guilty Mr. Wilson could face a range of possible sanctions.
He could face caution, suspension, or a condition of practice order, meaning he would have to comply with various restrictions on his behaviour.
He may be restricted from carrying out some aspects of the job, such as medicines administration, without supervision.
Mr. Wilson could also be struck off, meaning his name would be removed from the Nursing and Midwifery Council register and he would be unable to practice as a nurse in the UK.
