Ayrshire nurse struck off after she slapped dementia patient and threatened to take her to the mortuary

A nurse from Ayrshire who slapped a dementia patient and threatened to take her to the mortuary has been struck off.

Lynn Rowan was under investigation by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for her behaviour while employed as a nurse at University Hospital Ayr.

In May 2024, during a night shift, Rowan is alleged to have called Patient A a “horrible woman” and screamed at her “How do you like being shouted at?”.

She also said to Patient A, “if you don’t behave, I’ll wrap you up and take you to the mortuary”.

Rowan also slapped Patient A’s hand and said “no”.

The NMC heard evidence given by witnesses, including a nursing assistant who explained that as Patient A was hitting the nursing staff, Rowan raised her hand and slapped her arm and promptly left the room.

Further evidence given noted that Rowan was upset at having to leave her unwell mother to come to work and deal with Patient A, who was described as “challenging”.

These statements were made by the nursing assistant during an internal investigation by the hospital.

According to evidence submitted by the health board to the NMC, Patient A was described by staff as having dementia and possibly suffering from dehydration and an infection.

She was confused and not able to understand the environment she was in or what was being said.

In response to some of the allegations, Rowan said she slapped Patient A due to her lashing out and as a way to protect herself.

She also said the mortuary comment was intended as a “joke”.

In a written statement to the NMC, Rowan said: “On reflection, I feel yes a bad joke but it was not said in a cruel, unkind and threatening manner.”

The report concluded: “Rowan’s actions had the potential to cause Patient A physical or psychological harm and were, at the very least, liable to frighten and alarm her.

“Ms Rowan’s actions represented a serious departure from the standards expected of a registered nurse and breached fundamental duties owed to Patient A.”

The panel decided that due to the seriousness of Rowan’s actions, they had no choice but to strike her from the register.