Care home worker told resident 'I cannot wait until you are dead'

A support worker has been given a warning for telling a care home resident “I cannot wait until you are dead”.

Lynn McTaggart reportedly told the woman she was “vile”, adding “no wonder your son put you in here, you’re awful” or words to that effect.

The senior care assistant also said words along the lines of “I will not shed a tear when you die”.

McTaggart made the comments in front of a colleague while working for St Philips Care Limited in Coldstream, Scottish Borders, in November 2020.

The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) found her fitness to practise impaired.

A warning – which came into effect on November 1 – will remain on her registration for four years.

In a written ruling, the watchdog said: “Speaking to a resident, in your care, in such a derogatory manner is inappropriate, insensitive, and disrespectful.

“Your behaviour had the potential to cause emotional harm. Such behaviour falls below the standard expected from social services workers.

“Your behaviour was targeted towards a vulnerable resident who was entitled to place her trust in you to look after her and act in her best interests.

“Your actions abused the trust the resident and members of the public are entitled to place in you as a senior care assistant and is at odds with the behaviour expected from a registered worker in a caring profession.”

The SSSC said the behaviour placed the resident “at risk of emotional harm”, however the watchdog accepted it was an “isolated incident”.

McTaggart returned to work after the incident and continued in her role until May this year.

She completed dignity and respect training and was given a positive reference from her employer, stating she was “knowledgeable, conscientious and caring”.