Care home worker convicted of assault after pinning vulnerable resident to bed struck off

A care home worker who pinned a vulnerable resident to a bed has been struck off.

Donna Stewart was convicted at Dumfries Sheriff Court earlier this year of assaulting the woman at Briery Park care home in Thornhill on February 21, 2025.

Stewart was found to have seized the woman on the body, forced her onto a bed, and then pinned her body against the bed to her injury.

Following her conviction, the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) launched a probe into Stewart’s conduct.

The watchdog also heard on the same day, Stewart had forcibly grabbed another resident’s injured arm and placed it on a steady machine, causing the woman pain and distress.

A SSSC report stated: “This was not minor or accidental conduct. It involved the deliberate use of unnecessary force against vulnerable individuals who were entitled to feel safe, respected, and protected while receiving care.

“Taken together, this behaviour represents a serious departure from the standards of kindness, compassion, dignity and safe practice expected of a registered professional.”

Stewart denied the allegations against her throughout the SSSC investigation and criminal proceedings, and did not accept responsibility for her actions.

“In the absence of any meaningful acknowledgement, insight, apology or other remedial steps, there is nothing to demonstrate that you understand the gravity of the concerns or the standards required of a registered professional,” the report added.

The SSSC said there was a “high risk” Stewart would react similarly in the future.

While Stewart cooperated with the SSSC investigation, the watchdog was concerned about her lack of genuine regret or apology, as well as the pattern of behaviour and abuse of trust.

As a result, the SSSC removed Stewart from the care register, saying any other punishment would not be appropriate.

The decision came into force on July 17.