A DRUGGED-UP nurse who killed a pensioner in a head-on car crash after taking strong painkillers has been struck off the nursing register.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) last week decided to remove Cerys Price after finding her “fundamentally incompatible” for the role.
The 29-year-old was driving on the A467 near Rogerstone, Wales back in July 2016 when she crossed the central reservation and collided with Robert Dean.
Mr Dean, 65, sadly died at the scene and Price was subsequently found to have high “lethal” levels of Tramadol in her system.
It was later discovered the medication had not been prescribed and was purchased by Price whilst in Mexico.
Price, from Nantyglo, south Wales, was found guilty of death by dangerous driving last year at Cardiff Crown Court.
She was then handed a five year prison sentence for the death of Robert Dean.
Now, Price has been struck off the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) after a panel found her unfit to practise and to have brought the profession into disrepute.
The NMC charges against Price were released this week, stating: “That you, a registered nurse.
“At Cardiff Crown Court were convicted of: Causing death by dangerous driving.
“Causing serious injury by dangerous driving, contrary to Section 1 of the Road Traffic Act, 1988.
“In light of the above, your fitness to practise is impaired by reason of your conviction.”
The panel found these charges to have been proven due to the guilty verdict and decided on a striking off order.
Some of the aggravating factors which lead to this order includes her conviction and her failure to confront the reality of her Tramadol use.
In their published report, the panel said: “Miss Price’s actions and convictions were significant departures from the standards expected of a registered nurse and are fundamentally incompatible with her remaining on the register.
“The panel was of the view that the circumstances of this particular are such that to allow her to continue practising as a nurse would undermine public confidence in the profession and in the NMC as a regulatory body.”
In a statement from Price given to the NMC, she said she “sincerely apologises” for her “reckless behaviour” that led to the car accident.
She also accepted the jury’s decision in this personal statement.
Price’s mother also sent a letter to the NMC concerning the hearing which spoke of her daughter’s remorse and the impact the incident has had on her.
According to this letter, Price is also undertaking courses whilst behind bars.
