Carer struck off after kicking vulnerable resident and grabbing the face of another in Glasgow

A Glasgow carer has been struck off after kicking a vulnerable resident and grabbing the face of another.

Lewis Clark was proven to have caused “distress” to two people while working as a carer for HC-One Limited.

Clark was found to have grabbed one resident by the chin and shook their head between January 21 and 22 in 2022.

During this time he also told another resident to “get to your f****** bed”, and kicked the back of their legs.

The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) said the residents were left distressed by his actions.

A witness who worked with one of the vulnerable residents said Clark had had been verbally and physically aggressive toward the patient who had communication issues.

She also alleged that Clark neglected the patient by failing to take him to the bathroom.

Another witness gave evidence to the SSSC saying that Clark refused to take a patient to the toilet and instead shook and pushed him.

Clark also allegedly struck the patient and put his fingers in his mouth.

The witness added that the patient was scared Clark would return and experienced sleepless night.

The watchdog said Clark denied the allegations and showed “no insight nor remorse or apology”.

Following an investigation, the SSSC removed Clark from the register of social care workers saying the level of harm he caused outweigh the consequences.

The regulator required to fulfil its duty in maintaining the high standards within the social services sector and protecting the public and upholding the public interest,” the report said.

“The panel recognised that this was a balancing exercise and considered again the aggravating and mitigating factors present in your case as set out above.”

It added: “The panel determined that the level of harm caused to service users out and the damage to the reputation of the profession far outweighed the consequences for you.”

The report concluded: “In reaching its decision, the Panel took into account the findings in fact, decision on Impairment, the evidence previously presented, all papers and the submissions from the Presenter. It also took into account the Rules and the Decisions Guidance.

“It had regard to the seriousness of the impairment to your fitness to practise, the protection of the public, the public interest in maintaining confidence in social services and the issue of proportionality.”

A spokesperson for HC-One Limited said: “We strongly support the SSC’s decision. Mr Clark’s actions were unacceptable and go directly against our values of kindness and delivering high quality care.”