A Sunderland social worker has been suspended for two years for
the verbal abuse and inappropriate physical restriction of a woman
with learning disabilities.
Frederick Keith Stockdale, 42, shouted at the woman and placed
his arms on either side of her so her movement was restricted
during an exchange at Villette Lodge, a residential centre for
adults with learning disabilities owned by Sunderland council, a
GSCC conduct committee heard.
Stockdale did not ask a colleague for help at the time or remove
himself from the situation, causing the woman “considerable and
unnecessary distress”, the committee said.
The committee was concerned by Stockdale’s "failure to recognise
that the situation developed to a stage where it was no longer safe
or appropriate for him to address it alone and said his
actions constituted "abuse".
Deciding on the two-year suspension - the maximum term -
the committee said that although Stockdale's actions were serious,
he had an otherwise unblemished record and could work again in
future. Stockdale has also been asked to undertake further training
on dealing with challenging behaviour as his actions contravened
official guidelines on physical intervention.
Stockdale has a right of appeal to the independent Care
Standards Tribunal.
More information
General Social Care
Council
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