A PATNA carer has had a warning placed on their registration for 'acting dishonestly' while moving a service user.

In a recently-published report by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), it is stated that Tina Townsley attempted to move a service user on her own, after she had sought out assistance from colleagues.

The report adds that, when no assistance was forthcoming, Townsley moved "service user AA from her wheelchair to her bed without using a hoist", "moved and changed service user BB by yourself" and "completed moving and handling of service user CC by yourself".

All of these actions were said to be against the service users' care plans, which stated that two carers are required.

It was also added that the carer did "falsely record on the care record of service user CC that you had completed moving and handling of CC with your colleague".

The incidents took place between August 2019 and September 2023, while Townsley was employed by West Coast Care Ltd in Patna.

As a result, the SSSC decided to impose a warning on her registration for 12 months.

Findings from the report state: "There are good reasons why such activities are deemed to be a two-person activity, and/or require particular equipment, primarily for the safety of the resident and the staff members performing the activity.

"Supported people and particularly some older individuals, can be at greater risk than those less vulnerable and should accidents happen, this can result in serious injury.

"For this reason, what may seem a relatively low-risk short cut, can have far-reaching consequences should things go wrong."

It was added that Townsley accepted responsibility for the actions and offered an apology.

The report added: "On two occasions, you attempted to seek assistance from colleagues.

"The assistance was not forthcoming, and the resident involved was becoming increasingly distressed.

"You then decided to move the resident alone, in order to deliver personal care. Had other staff come to your assistance, the scenario may not have occurred."

A West Coast Care spokesperson said: "When this incident occurred, we immediately followed all relevant procedures, and Tina Townsley was dismissed and referred to the Scottish Social Services Council.

"The health and wellbeing of the people in our care is our absolute priority, and we will always act quickly to protect their best interests."