An Edinburgh carer has been given a stern warning after they reportedly failed to offer appropriate support to a resident and clocked off early.
Ross Henderson saw a six-month warning imposed on his record due to a number of actions allegedly carried out while working as a support worker at Leonard Cheshire Disability.
Following incidents on or around November 2023, the Scottish Social Services Council conducted a review into Henderson’s actions and described the behaviour as causing a “risk of harm” due to leaving residents unattended.
According to the review, the support worker demonstrated a level of apology, insight and regret.
The support worker allegedly left their shift early on or around November 10, 2023, and failed to provide a handover for his colleagues.
Then again on or around November 19, 2023, he carried out the same actions. On or around November 27, 2023, Henderson left his shift early again leaving AA attended.
Conducting their review into the behaviour, the SSSC chose not to strike the carer from the register, and instead imposed the official warning.
The review reads: “Social service workers are expected to be reliable and dependable and are trusted to care for the most vulnerable members of society, and must protect them, insofar as possible, from harm.
“You left a vulnerable service user unattended, contrary to their care plan, which states they require 1:1 round the clock care. By doing so, you placed AA at risk of unnecessary harm
“While there was no actual harm caused to AA, there was a significant risk of harm. Leaving AA unattended on more than one occasion increases the risk of repetition in the future.
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“Your re-occurring behaviour demonstrates a pattern of showing a disregard for providing appropriate care to a vulnerable service user. Your behaviour was serious and calls into question your suitability to work in social services.
“You have demonstrated a level of apology, insight and regret. Your assurances and remorse suggest you have learned from these incidents and any higher risk presented at the time has now been reduced. Therefore, there is a relatively low risk to public protection.”
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A spokesperson for Leonard Cheshire said: “We acknowledge the decision of the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) to place a warning on the registration of one of our employees. The conduct of the employee during late 2023 was not in keeping with the high standards of practice expected of our staff.
“At the time a disciplinary process took place with a written warning from the charity ultimately issued. All relevant authorities including the SSSC were notified. The conduct and performance of the employee was monitored closely following their disciplinary and no new concerns subsequently identified.”