A mental health nurse has been struck off the nursing register after a disciplinary panel found multiple failures in her care of an inmate who died at HMP Wormwood Scrubs.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) heard how Paul Vogler, 41, was found unresponsive in his cell at the west London prison in August 2021 and later pronounced dead. The nurse responsible for his care faced serious allegations regarding her professional conduct.
Systematic Failures in Prison Healthcare
The misconduct hearing revealed the nurse failed to maintain adequate patient records, did not complete proper risk assessments, and neglected to formulate essential care plans for Mr Vogler. These omissions occurred despite the inmate being under her care for several months prior to his death.
Evidence presented to the panel showed the nurse had neglected fundamental nursing duties and displayed a "lack of insight" into the seriousness of her failures. The NMC determined that her fitness to practise was impaired by reason of misconduct.
A Troubled Prison's History
HMP Wormwood Scrubs has faced repeated criticism over safety standards and healthcare provision in recent years. The Victorian-era prison, which houses approximately 1,200 inmates, has been the subject of multiple inspection reports highlighting concerns about prisoner welfare.
This case raises further questions about the quality of mental health care within the UK prison system, particularly for vulnerable inmates requiring specialist support.
Professional Consequences
The striking-off order means the nurse can no longer work in any nursing capacity within the UK. In reaching their decision, the panel noted the seriousness of the multiple failings and the need to maintain public confidence in the nursing profession.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the professional responsibilities held by healthcare practitioners working in challenging prison environments and the consequences when those standards are not met.
