Trinity pupil barrister, Sarah Ismail was recently instructed by Thompsons Scotland to represent a mental health nurse at a 14-day hearing at the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in Edinburgh.
The nurse appeared before a Fitness to Practise Committee facing five charges of verbal and physical abuse of a schizophrenic patient dating back to 2013. The NMC sought a striking-off order in respect of the alleged misconduct. A comprehensive and methodological approach was required to expose the factual weaknesses of the NMC’s case, which led to the undermining of their evidence.
Sarah made a successful submission of no case to answer in respect of one of the charges and, at the conclusion of the hearing, the Panel found the remaining charges unproven in their entirety, saving the nurse’s career and reputation.
Sarah has a developing practise in professional discipline/regulatory law and represents professionals at fitness to practise hearings in England and Scotland.