A Dundee carer has been struck off after drinking and falling asleep at her disabled client’s home on Christmas Eve.
Karen Harper was told her actions in December 2020 had put the man at "substantial risk of harm".
Her patient was described as a "very vulnerable individual" who is registered blind, has a severe learning disability and uses a wheelchair.
Passing judgement, Harper’s bosses at the SSSC - the Scottish Social Services Council - described the incident involving the client - called AA to protect his identity - in a four page report.
They said she "provided personal care to AA while under the influence of alcohol", adding: “Your actions have placed not only you, but also services users and potentially colleagues at risk of harm.
“You were found asleep on a service user’s sofa. Your speech was slurred and you had a difficulty processing information.
“You gave conflicting stories when questioned. You struggled to properly use the hoist when assisting AA.
“This calls into question your ability to be trustworthy. It also calls into question your reliability and dependability.”
The panel concluded that Harper should be struck off as a carer rather than just suspended because of the potential risk she posed the client and other patients.
They concluded: “Allowing you to remain registered with the SSSC would undermine the public’s confidence in the profession and in the SSSC as a regulator.
“Removal is required on both the grounds of public protection and public interest.”
And they added: “The SSSC considers a Removal Order is the most appropriate sanction as it is both necessary and justified in the public interest and to maintain the continuing trust and confidence in the social service profession and the SSSC as the regulator of the profession.”
The removal order comes into effect from today.
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