Carer struck off after stealing almost £10,000 from service user in Perth

A carer from Perth has been struck off after having been found to have stolen almost £10,000 from a person in their care.

Tracey McIntyre was employed as a home carer by Kippen Care Services when she took the bank card of a vulnerable service user without their permission.

An investigation by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) found that between December 2019 and February 2020, McIntyre stole £9,582.21 using the service user’s bank card.

McIntyre admitted taking the bank card and money when questioned by her employer.

The SSSC report found that her actions were “serious and sustained dishonesty”, exploitative, and motivated by personal financial gain.

It added: “This represents a gross breach of trust and a significant abuse of the privileged access you had to enter the homes of the people you supported.”

As a result, the industry watchdog concluded that McIntyre’s actions were “fundamentally incompatible” with remaining on the register and raised “significant” concerns regarding her values and trustworthiness.

It found that she had not shown any “meaningful insight, reflection or remorse”

The report considered the sanction to be imposed, taking into account the lack of other incidents since the start of her employment 18 months prior.

However, it was found that this did not mitigate the seriousness of the theft.

The council stated that striking off was the most appropriate action to “maintain the continuing trust and confidence in the social service profession.”

The striking-off order came into effect on December 11, 2024.