Nurse Struck Off Register for Fentanyl Misappropriation and Record Falsification

A registered nurse has been removed from the professional register after repeatedly taking fentanyl intended for patients from a hospital and falsifying patient records. Lauren Brown was employed at Wexham Park Hospital in Slough when she documented that the drug had been administered to 21 patients, despite it not having been given. Fentanyl is a potent opioid painkiller, significantly more powerful than both heroin and morphine. Police investigated Miss Brown’s conduct, which was alleged to have occurred between September 2021 and March 2022, but ultimately decided against taking further action. Frimley Health NHS Trust, the organization operating the hospital, also took no additional steps following Miss Brown’s resignation in August 2022. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) panel indicated that it had received no evidence, such as a written reflective piece, suggesting Miss Brown’s remorse or her desire to continue practicing as a nurse. The panel stated: “Miss Brown’s repeated actions and dishonesty were significant departures from the standards expected of a registered nurse and are fundamentally incompatible with her remaining on the register.” It further communicated that its decision aimed to “send to the public and profession a clear message about the standard of behaviour required of a registered nurse.” For updates, BBC Berkshire is accessible on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or Instagram. This material is subject to Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Details concerning its approach to external linking are available.