Social worker ‘practised while on heroin’

A social worker who allegedly practised for nearly two years while using heroin is facing removal from the register.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of failing to disclose her drug use on a pre-employment health questionnaire and when she was employed as a social worker between January 2006 and December 2007.

She is also facing charges of misleading doctors about injuries to her daughter, who was admitted to hospital in October 2007.

Jeopardised daughter’s health

At a fact-finding hearing in March 2008, a judge found the woman did not seek immediate medical attention for her daughter, therefore jeopardising her health. It also found the woman gave untrue evidence to the court to protect the child’s father.

It is alleged that these actions were “misleading” and “dishonest” and, together with the woman’s drug usage, amount to misconduct.

A verdict is expected after the case concludes at the General Social Care Council tomorrow.

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