A Merseyside nurse who fraudulently claimed nearly £6,000 in sick pay from an NHS trust while working elsewhere has said she made a 'harmless mistake'. Lian Kenny drew sick pay from North West Care NHS Foundation Trust between August 2020 and October 2021, while simultaneously employed by Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust.
A Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) hearing heard that Mrs Kenny, who registered in 2015, fully acknowledged the charge. In a reflective statement, she said she 'deeply' regretted her 'lapse in judgement'. An anti-fraud investigation by Mersey Internal Audit Agency revealed she had collected £5,993.51 in sick pay while working for another trust through an agency.
The NMC and Mrs Kenny agreed that her conduct was dishonest and fell far below expected standards. She repaid the full amount and expressed remorse, stating: 'I deeply regret my lapse in judgement... It has been one of the most challenging periods of my professional life.' She added: 'I do not see myself as a nurse who made a harmless mistake.'
Mrs Kenny is now employed as clinical lead for a vaccination service. Both parties agreed the likelihood of repetition is minimal. She received a six-month suspension from nursing and can return to practice on October 27.
