A care assistant has been sanctioned for performing three moving and handling manoeuvres that placed residents “at risk of harm.”
Tina Townsley performed the manoeuvres on three residents, which the industry regulator said were ‘unacceptable.’
The regulator, The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), also said Townsley ‘falsely’ recorded on the care record of one of the service users that she completed the moving and handling procedure with the help of a colleague – when that wasn’t the case. The SSSC said Townsley acted “dishonestly” in that instance and her fitness to practise was “impaired.”
In their notice of decision, the SSSC imposed a warning on Townsley’s registration for a period of 12 months.
They said the incidents took place on dates between August 26, 2019 and September 29, 2023, while employed as a care assistant by West Coast Care Ltd.
Townsley’s town of employment was listed as Patna.
An extract from the SSSC report said that, on or around September 9, 2023, she moved service user, known only as ‘AA,’ from her wheelchair to her bed without using a hoist. This, said the SSSC, was “contrary to AA’s care plan.”
And on or around September 15, 2023, she moved and changed service user, known only as ‘BB’, by herself, Again, the SSSC said this was “contrary to BB’s care plan” which stated that “two carers are required.”
In addition, on or around September 18, 2023 Townsley completed the moving and handling of service user ‘CC’ by herself, again “contrary” to their care plan.
The SSSC also found Townsley had ‘falsely recorded’ on the care record of service user CC that she completed moving and handling of them with a colleague.
The SSSC told Townsley: “Social service workers must meet relevant standards of practice and work in a lawful, safe and effective way. They must not put themselves or other people at unnecessary risk. You (Townsley) knowingly performed moving and handling manoeuvres which placed residents at risk of harm.
“There are reasons why certain manoeuvres require two people to perform the activity safely, or require particular equipment, primarily for the safety of the residents and the staff members performing the task.
“Failing to follow these safeguards exposes the residents to risk of harm unnecessarily. You (Townsley) were aware of these risks, however, you took the decision to perform the manoeuvres regardless, which could have caused injury to supported individuals. You also recorded that a colleague had been present knowing that was not the case.”
According to the report Townsley admitted “taking shortcuts” in moving and handling procedures.
The report continues: “No harm befell any resident, and you (Townsley) have presented certain mitigating factors.
“However, whether actions were or were not well-meaning does not mean that they are not dangerous and, on these occasions your actions could have resulted in injury to the residents involved.
“In order to protect those who use services, SSSC as a professional regulator would wish to reinforce the unacceptability of any dangerous practice.”
Townsley, on two occasions, “attempted to seek assistance” from colleagues but that assistance was “not forthcoming,” and the resident involved was becoming “increasingly distressed,” prompting her to decide to move the resident alone, in order to deliver personal care.
The SSSC did find some factors in Townsley’s favour; namely that she co-operated with the SSSC investigation, she ‘understood’ the unacceptability of her actions and offered an apology. And she displayed a “degree of insight” into the unnecessary risk to service users. In addition, there had been “no previous concerns” reported about her practise.