Inverness social worker given warning for "isolated lapse" after investigation
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A SOCIAL worker has had a warning placed on his registration for failing to record that a service user had an ear injury, had engaged in self-harm and had left his flat for a time.
Neil Dow, a home support worker in Inverness, also told the man, called AA in a Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) report following its investigation, that he had given him medication for “spoilt behaviours”.
Mr Dow was also carpeted for an alleged foul-mouthed clash with colleagues over a car park space, telling one: “What the f*** would she know about anyone parking in her f****** space, she wouldn’t have a f****** clue,” or words to that effect.
The SSSC found that by his actions, Mr Dow’s fitness to practice was impaired and ordered that the warning should remain on his registration for 12 months.
The SSSC said his fitness to practice is impaired because it is expected that social service workers will maintain clear, accurate and up-to-date records in line with procedures relating to their work.
Mr Dow was told: “You neglected to record key information about AA’s wellbeing during the course of your shift. Your actions meant that your colleagues would not be fully aware of what took place on your shift. This may have affected the support that they provided AA.
“Social service workers are expected to treat service users with respect and dignity. You administered medication to AA and recorded the reason to be due to AA’s ‘spoilt behaviours’. Your actions were unprofessional and demonstrate a lack of respect toward AA.”
Regarding the parking space incident, the SSSC stated: “It is expected that you will treat colleagues and other social service workers with respect. You were verbally abusive to and swore in the presence of colleagues. Your behaviour demonstrates a lack of self-control and an inability to remain calm in response to a situation.”
The SSSC took into account Mr Dow had previously shown good practice, and had engaged with the SSSC and the investigation in a meaningful manner. It accepted it was an isolated lapse and not malicious or premeditated.
