An Edinburgh carer assaulted a vulnerable person with complex needs by grabbing their head and forcing them to eat.
Steffany Renner was struck off by the Scottish Social Services Council after being convicted of assault at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on May 15, 2024.
Renner, who will no longer be allowed to work in the care industry, was found to have repeatedly seized a service user by the head and body, restrain them and force them to take medication, fluid and food.
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Renner also failed to desist and later said she thought she was acting in the best interest of the individual after the incident was reported to the care regulator.
The location of the incident was redacted by the SSSC as the panel imposed a striking off order. In doing so they said social service workers are “expected to treat all supported people with dignity and respect.”
They added: “You have been convicted of assaulting a vulnerable individual within your care. You have shown a disregard for their safety and wellbeing, and placed them at direct risk of physical and emotional harm.
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“Furthermore, you have failed to ensure AA has been treated with dignity and respect. AA, who you were entrusted to care for had complex needs and required a high level of care. AA, their family, your employer and the SSSC placed trust in you to provide an appropriate level of care.
“By assaulting AA, you have abused that trust placed in you as a social services worker. You have acted in a way which raises concerns about your values and attitude towards vulnerable people. You have shown limited insight into the seriousness of your criminal conviction.”
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The panel concluded by saying they and the wider public can not be satisfied there is no risk of this behaviour being repeated should Renner be allowed to return to work in the sector.
Despite expressing regret and offering an apology, Renner showed “limited insight” into the seriousness of the conviction.