Letters: There should be consequences for the nurse who stole narcotics – National Post

HelioMetrics Comment:

Normally we don’t post things from “letters to the editor” however this one came with a big comment at the end… We have aways assumed that drug diversion might keep people away from a hospital, but this guy spells it out…

Original letter below:

Re: Nurse Who Stole Narcotics Rehired, Oct. 11.
In an age when there are little or no consequences to one’s criminal behaviour, it is not surprising to read that a nurse who stole painkillers and other drugs from a Toronto hospital, then doctored patient records to hide the thefts is now rehired. That this behaviour went on for seven years says little for the hospital’s safety procedures.

One can certainly question her competency in treating patients while under the influence of narcotics. Had a patient died as a consequence would she still be rehired? Chances are she would have.

Doctors and nurses make decisions that deal with life and death issues. It is of utmost importance that behaviour that intentionally endangers patient safety be dealt with severely. Until we are assured patient safety procedures are in place and professional caregivers who deviate from them are dealt with in a serious manner, the onus is on the patients and their immediate family to guard their well-being while hospitalized. I, for one, would avoid the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre knowing that this nurse is on staff.
Rod Millard, Cornwall, Ont.