Animol Puthanpurackal Thomas, a nurse formerly employed at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, has been permanently removed from the nursing register by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) following a series of incidents that caused actual harm to patients. The NMC panel found that Thomas failed to notice a patient experiencing a seizure, forced tablets into a patient's mouth, and prepared the wrong dosage of insulin, among other errors.
Details of the Misconduct
Thomas was employed by the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust at Broomfield Hospital but ceased working for the trust in 2022. The NMC's most recent report detailed multiple failures on April 26, 2022, including forcing tablets into a patient's mouth and pouring water in, as well as preparing an incorrect insulin dosage. The panel determined an ongoing risk of harm to patients and the public associated with her practice.
English Language Deficiency
The panel also highlighted that Thomas lacked the required knowledge of English to practise safely and effectively. She did not provide any evidence of improved English skills or having taken an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. The NMC report stated: "Ms Puthanpurackal-Thomas has not engaged with the process and no new evidence has been provided to demonstrate insight, remorse or strengthening of her practice during the intervening period."
Outcome of the Hearing
The tribunal concluded that Thomas still had insufficient insight into her actions and that there was a likelihood of repetition. The panel noted that the allegation regarding her limited English was an aggravating element that exacerbated her underlying substandard practice. The tribunal ruled that a striking-off order was the only penalty that would sufficiently safeguard the public and serve the public interest. This permanently removes Thomas from the professional register, barring her from practising as a registered nurse, midwife, or nursing associate.
