Carer struck off after bringing knives to home of 'vulnerable' resident in Fife

A carer been banned from the profession after bringing knives to a “vulnerable” resident’s home in Fife.

Michael Neilson was found to have carried blades with him on shift while supporting individuals in their homes on multiple occasions between August and September 2023.

An investigation was launched by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) who found that he had also shown a knife to a supported resident while employed by Eidyn Care Limited at ACS Care at Home Limited.

The watchdog found that Neilson had said “well I’d stab him first, you ken I’ve always got a knife or two on me”, while driving with a colleague.

Following the investigation, Neilson was removed from the register with his actions described as “deliberate and persistent”.

The report acknowledged that Neilson did not appear to intend to use to the blades or to harm anyone but said his actions put others at risk.

It added that Neilson had shown “no meaningful insight” into his actions and said there was a risk the behaviour could be repeated.

The report added: “supported individuals have the right to feel safe in their homes and your conduct risked causing unnecessary fear and alarm, abusing the trust placed in you by them and their families.”

A spokesperson for Eidyn Care Limited said: “As an award winning and family-owned care-at-home provider based in Fife and Edinburgh we hire people who have experience of caring for others and who show real commitment to the role.

“Our care workers undergo enhanced Protecting Vulnerable Groups and enhanced reference checks, and they receive ongoing training and supervision.

“Many of our 100 or so colleagues have worked previously as nurses or in the healthcare sector.

“Compassion and humour are positive attributes but they will never be enough if a carer does not demonstrate sound judgment and common sense.

“Thankfully our clients and colleagues came to no harm in this case and we acted quickly to alert relevant agencies to ill-advised, completely unacceptable behaviour by a colleague with a previously good record of service.”