EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian Nurse Faces Removal from UK Register Over Dishonesty
The UK Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has taken steps to potentially strike off Elizabeth Offier, a Nigerian nurse, from its register due to her involvement in misconduct. Offier’s suspension by the NMC’s Fitness to Practice Committee was initially for six months, but the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA) challenged this penalty, considering it insufficient for public protection.
A court hearing held on March 6, 2024, at the Royal Court of Justice, London, approved a 21-page judgment obtained exclusively by PREMIUM TIMES, affirming the PSA’s appeal. Despite Offier’s absence, the court proceeded, considering her lack of consent for removal from the register and her failure to provide arguments against the appeal.
The NMC’s panel found Offier guilty of dishonesty in various instances, including her failure to disclose information about previous employers and her failure to inform her employer about conditions imposed by the NMC. Additionally, she worked a shift in breach of supervision requirements.
Justice Sheldon acknowledged errors in the panel’s decision, particularly in assessing the severity of Offier’s dishonesty. While the PSA advocated striking Offier off the register for public safety, the court opted to remit the decision for reassessment, considering both the panel’s findings and the errors made.
Offier’s case underscores the importance of professional integrity in the healthcare sector, with regulatory bodies ensuring adherence to ethical standards and patient safety.
