– Announcement –
– Announcement –
Nurse expelled after administering overdose of morphine that resulted in patient's death
The case of Nicola Sharp, the nurse who administered a fatal morphine overdose, serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of adhering to medical protocols and maintaining the highest standards of care.
– Announcement –
In a tragic incident at Gainsborough's Howson Care Centre, a nurse named Nicola Sharp has been sacked by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for administering a dangerously high dose of morphine to a patient, leading to his untimely death.
Nicola Sharp, a nurse working at Howson Care Centre, was responsible for the care of a patient known as Patient A, who was receiving palliative care.
Patient A was prescribed a dose of 2.5 mg-5 mg morphine for pain relief. However, on October 19, 2019, Ms. Sharp administered a staggering 2.5ml of morphine, which was up to 10 times the prescribed dose.
Tragically, Patient A died shortly after receiving this overdose.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) carried out a thorough investigation into the incident. It was revealed that Ms. Sharp did not record the administration of morphine and the reason behind it in patient A's care notes.
These oversights raised serious concerns about their conduct and compliance with professional standards.
Following the incident at Howson Care Centre, Nicola Sharp took up a post at Drovers Call Care Home in Gainsborough in August 2020. However, her work at that facility was affected by another medication error.
In March 2023, Ms. Sharp administered 19 units of insulin to a resident, identified as Patient B, instead of the prescribed four units. This error further raised concerns surrounding Ms Sharp's competence and ability to provide safe and appropriate patient care.
After considering the evidence presented, the NMC concluded that the allegations against Nicola Sharp in relation to both Patient A and Patient B were substantiated, and her actions amounted to misconduct.
It was noted that Ms. Sharp had shown no remorse or insight into his actions, leading the panel to consider that his fitness to practice was “currently impaired”.
As a result, an interim suspension order was made which allowed Ms Sharp the opportunity to appeal the decision. If you choose not to appeal, the suspension order will be replaced by an order of revocation, permanently removing you from the nursing profession.
Following the death of Patient A, Lincolnshire Police launched an investigation into the incident. However, the case was withdrawn in March 2020 due to the lack of a realistic prospect of conviction.
Despite this outcome, the incident was thoroughly examined during an inquest in April 2021, which determined that the medical cause of death for Patient A was the “effects of morphine”. The coroner ruled the death a “mishap.”
Howson Care Center confirmed that Nicola Sharp was suspended and subsequently dismissed following the death of Patient A.
The residence acknowledged the coroner's conclusion on the cause of death and expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased.
Instead, Knights Care Ltd, the operator of Drovers Call Care Home, said they were unaware of the incident in October 2019 when they recruited Ms Sharp. However, following the medication error involving Patient B, Ms. Sharp was fired.