Aberdeenshire care worker who stole thousands from vulnerable patient struck off register

A care worker who pled guilty to stealing thousands of pounds from the bank account of a vulnerable resident at an assisted living facility has been struck off the register.

Rachael Michie had been working as a relief worker for Inspire at Hollybank, St James’ Place when the thefts occurred.

A vulnerable patient who had learning disabilities and needed round-the-clock care at the facility was helped financially by staff who accompanied her to the bank, helped her make responsible transactions, and kept a log book.

However, between September 15, 2021 and February 15, 2022, Michie took advantage of having access to her bank cards and stole £2,300 from her bank accounts.

She was caught when her manager noticed irregularities and missing bank statements and traced the theft back to Michie.

She pled guilty at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on September 6, 2023 and was ordered to be supervised for 12 months, to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and to pay a £500 compensation order to her victim.

Michie has now been removed from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) register.

In a hearing decision on February 14, it was said that her conduct was “extremely dishonest and an abuse of trust in the workplace”.

It added: “Theft is a crime of dishonesty and falls at the more serious end of the scale of seriousness.

“Dishonest behaviour on this level undermines trust in social services and requires serious action by the SSSC as the regulator.”

The decision noted that Michie repeated the behaviour on various occasions over the five month period and assessed her risk of repeating the behaviour again as high.

Michie previously had an unblemished history with the SSSC and it was noted she had demonstrated insight, regret and apology for the behaviour and provided substantive comments to the allegations.

The SSSC wrote to Michie on January 8 advising it would place a removal order on her registration which she did not ask to be referred to a fitness to practice panel.

Michie was removed from the register on February 14, 2024.