Nurse who viewed 'granny porn' while on duty at care home is struck off

David Campbell who worked at Ashlea House Nursing and Residential Home in Callander, Scotland, has been struck off by the nursing watchdog for viewing pornographic material whilst working at the home.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) heard how Mr Campbell had looked at pornographic websites and viewed several different sections, including one titled ‘grannies’ during the time he was on duty at the home in January 2013. He was subsequently suspended by the home in April 2013 and resigned in June.

Mr Campbell was suspended by the NMC in September 2014 and the disciplinary panel suggested that he write an essay detailing how he had accepted responsibility for his actions and learned from the mistakes he had made.

A recent review committee heard that since the original suspension and suggestion had been made, Mr Campbell had failed to produce the essay and refused to engage with the NMC. The panel concluded that without evidence to show Mr Campbell had attempted to recognise and take responsibility for his behaviour, they had no choice but to remove him from the register.

During the hearing, the panel said: “Mr Campbell has not provided this panel with the recommended reflective piece and the panel has no information regarding his current circumstances. Having ruled out all lesser sanctions the panel had no alternative other than to impose a striking-off order.

“In satisfying itself that such a sanction was appropriate the panel considered the continued lack of engagement by Mr Campbell with the NMC fitness to practise process.

“Mr Campbell had been given a clear opportunity by the substantive panel to provide evidence of reflection and insight into his failings and he has not done so.

“The panel was also mindful of the public interest including the maintenance of public confidence in the profession and upholding proper standards of conduct and behaviour.

“The misconduct in this case has brought the profession into disrepute and, in addition, the panel has identified there to be a risk of repetition of the behaviour which led to Mr Campbell’s suspension.”

Mr Campbell had worked at Ashlea House since 2001. The home provides care for older people and people with learning and physical disabilities.