In a shocking case of professional betrayal, a mental health nurse has been permanently barred from practising after systematically targeting vulnerable women—including former patients—on popular dating apps.
John Chukwunonso Iwuh, who worked for the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, exploited his position of trust to initiate inappropriate relationships, a misconduct tribunal found.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) heard compelling evidence that Iwuh used platforms like Tinder and Bumble to contact women who were either current or former service users. His actions were described as a "calculated and predatory" abuse of his professional status.
A Severe Breach of Trust
The tribunal revealed that Iwuh's misconduct wasn't an isolated incident but a repeated pattern of behaviour over a significant period. He deliberately blurred professional boundaries, using his role as a mental health nurse to gain the trust of vulnerable individuals before pursuing personal relationships.
This case highlights serious concerns about patient safeguarding and the ethical responsibilities of healthcare professionals in the digital age. The NMC panel emphasised that Iwuh's actions were fundamentally incompatible with remaining on the nursing register.
Zero Tolerance for Exploitation
In their ruling, the panel stated: "Your actions were deliberate, targeted, and involved an abuse of your professional position. You sought to exploit vulnerable individuals for your own personal gratification."
The decision to strike Iwuh off was made to protect the public and maintain confidence in the nursing profession. The ruling sends a clear message that such egregious breaches of trust will not be tolerated within the healthcare system.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining professional boundaries, particularly when working with vulnerable populations. The healthcare regulator has demonstrated its commitment to taking decisive action against those who betray the fundamental principles of their profession.
