Nurse caught kissing patient at Falkirk Community Hospital

A virtual hearing held by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) earlier this month heard Anita Watson, who subsequently resigned from her post, was caught kissing the man – referred to as Patient X – in the grounds outside Falkirk Community Hospital.

The panel found that on one or more occasions between July 27 and September 14, 2018, Watson failed to maintain professional boundaries with Patient X because she would spent her shift break time in his room with him and on one one occasion in August 2018 had her hands on Patient X’s knees and/or allowed him to have his hands on her knees.

She also admitted tagging Patient X in a Facebook post on August 27, 2018 and told a colleague on September 12, 2018, she was going out on a date with Patient X.

She was found to have kissed Patient X on September 11, 2018.

The panel found Watson’s conduct was “sexually motivated” in that she was “pursuing a future sexual relationship” with Patient X.

Watson was also proved to have tried to cover up her actions by asking a colleague not to mention it to anyone.

In a written ruling the NMC stated: “The panel was of the view you were pursuing a future sexual relationship with Patient X, especially in light of the fact you had exhibited a pattern of such behaviour, engaging in a flirtatious Facebook post, kissing Patient X and intending to go on a date with him as well as inappropriate touching.

“The panel noted there was no evidence of actual harm in relation to Patient X, however, it was of the view your past actions could have caused serious emotional harm to him, as well as having the potential to cause harm to other patients on the unit, who may have witnessed what was going on.

“It formed the view your misconduct had breached the fundamental tenets of the nursing profession and therefore brought its reputation into disrepute. While the panel recognises the impact a striking off order will have on you, the panel was satisfied your interests were outweighed by the public interest.”