Hospital social worker struck off for repeated failings

A London social worker whose repeated failure to follow procedure placed vulnerable people at risk has been struck off.

A conduct committee of the General Social Care Council upheld claims that Rosalind Shaw, 65, failed to report an allegation of abuse by a carer, did not properly assess service users and acted without management consultation.

Ignoring management instructions

Shaw began working for Waltham Forest Council’s intermediate care assessment team based at Whipps Cross Hospital, east London, on a locum basis in 2004.

At the end of 2004, she was offered a permanent contract but did not complete the probationary period because of questions about her conduct.

At a four-day hearing last week, Shaw’s team manager gave witness to her inability to follow procedures and follow instructions from management.

“Persistent and serious”

The committee found Shaw’s consistent failure to follow national standards and local procedures had had an adverse impact on the performance and impact of colleagues and staff in other agencies.

It concluded that Shaw’s misconduct had been “persistent and serious”, and removed her from the register in order to protect the public. Shaw did not attend the hearing.

Council responds

Liz Phillips, lead member for health, adults and older people at Waltham Forest Council, said: “Ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents, particularly our most vulnerable, is the absolute highest priority for the council.

“Social workers have a huge responsibility as guardians of some of the most vulnerable people in the borough and we demand the very highest standards of practice in our staff.”

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