Nurse struck off for failing to keep track of medication for elderly care home residents

A NURSE who failed to keep track of medication for elderly residents has been struck off. Gary Partington, 48, of Ormskirk, was found unfit to practice by the Nursing and Midwifery Council because of misconduct.

The watchdog heard a raft of charges against Partington relating to his work at Barton Park Care Home on Oxford Road in Southport.

During January 2002 and December 2004, it was said that the nurse failed to make arrangements for the recording, handling, keeping, admin- istration and disposal of med- ication received in the home.

The panel was told that he was unable to “properly account” for drugs received for a number of patients over that period of time.

Partington was also accused of subsequently producing false documentation and producing a diary entry in a Care Standards Tribunal that was fabricated to try to provide an explanation for missing drugs. The charges against the nurse were proved at an NMC conduct and competence hearing which concluded on Friday, March 20.

Partington’s solicitor wrote to the panel before the hearing to inform them Partington would not appear due to ill health.

But, despite the solicitor’s letter, the panel decided to proceed.

The NMC panel said it was particularly concerned that such a large quantity of a tranquilliser called Promazine could not be accounted for.

They concluded Partington’s fitness to practice was impaired by reason of misconduct. They added: “We also consider that he is in breach of NMC guidelines.

“He has failed to ensure that the records for which he was responsible were factually consistent and accurate.

“We find that his behaviour is conduct unworthy of a nurse.”

A spokesman for the nursing home said improvements in their procedures meant this could not ever happen again and added: “When Mr Partington was working at Barton Park, he was held in high regard by residents, staff and visiting health professionals alike. It is a matter of great regret to these people, and his former employer, that his considerable nursing skills are no longer available to those in need.”