Catherine Hepburn has been struck off after committing a catalogue of abuse towards nursing home residents she was supposed to be caring for. The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) removed her name from their register following a series of appalling acts and behaviours towards vulnerable residents over a six and a half year period, from April 2018 to October 2024.
Abusive behaviour detailed
The care home where Hepburn was employed was redacted in the decision notice, but her town of employment was given as Prestwick. She told one resident, known only as 'AA,' that she would 'be getting sent to a respite care home' 'if you don't stop wetting the bed,' or words to that effect. On multiple occasions, Hepburn called the same resident 'a big baby.'
Hepburn also told resident 'AA' to 'get a grip, stop that' when she became upset after someone passed away on television. On another occasion, she shouted at 'AA' 'you won't fall, get up' or words to that effect, when they were on the toilet and asking for support.
Further incidents and SSSC ruling
Another resident, known only as 'BB,' was called an 'old dragon' or 'dragon,' causing them to become upset. When 'BB' soiled herself and came to Hepburn for assistance, Hepburn handed them a bag and said: “Just go clean yourself up.” Another charge said Hepburn turned off the TV when 'BB' waited to watch the news, causing them “distress.”
Hepburn was also adjudged to have told a colleague: “Stop sucking up to her,” when her colleague helped resident 'BB' carry her washing basket. When residents 'AA' and 'BB' were watching a television programme, Hepburn changed to a programme another resident wanted to watch.
Another resident, 'CC,' was subjected to Hepburn's abusive behaviour. When 'CC' was hunched forward, Hepburn pushed their head back with the palm of her hand. She also said to 'CC': “You had better not be all night,” or words to that effect, and labelled him a 'dirty dog' and a 'bad boy' when he pressed his buzzer.
The SSSC deemed Hepburn's behaviour “abusive” and “threatening.” In their decision notice they said: “Social service workers must not abuse, neglect or harm people who use social services. Your (Hepburn's) behaviour was abusive, threatening and raises serious values issues that are not aligned with a care and support role.”
Public protection risk
Hepburn worked in the care sector for a period of six years with “no concerns” over her practice. However, the SSSC said her behaviour was “fundamentally incompatible” with continuing registration. The SSSC added: “The SSSC believes you (Hepburn) present an ongoing public protection risk and action must be taken to uphold the public confidence in the profession and the SSSC as a regulator.”
The SSSC concluded: “The SSSC considers a removal order is the most appropriate sanction. It is both necessary and justified in the public interest and to maintain the continuing trust and confidence in the social service profession and the SSSC as the regulator of the profession.”
