A senior nurse has been permanently barred from practising after a hospital social gathering led to the coronavirus death of a healthcare assistant, in a heartbreaking case that exposed pandemic safety failures.
Lindsay Bond, a Band 5 staff nurse at Royal Sussex County Hospital, organised the event in the hospital's education centre where colleagues gathered closely together without social distancing.
Tragic Consequences
Just days after the gathering, healthcare assistant John Alagos began showing symptoms of COVID-19. The 23-year-old, who had been celebrating his birthday at the event, tragically passed away on April 4, 2020.
An inquest later revealed that Mr Alagos had contracted coronavirus during the hospital gathering, with the virus claiming his life shortly after.
Professional Standards Breached
The Nursing and Midwifery Council conducted an extensive investigation into Ms Bond's conduct, finding multiple serious breaches of professional standards.
Key failures identified included:
- Organising and attending a social gathering during pandemic restrictions
- Failing to maintain social distancing protocols
- Not adequately risk-assessing the event
- Breaching infection control measures designed to protect staff and patients
Final Decision
After considering the gravity of the incident and its tragic outcome, the NMC panel determined that striking off was the only appropriate sanction.
The panel chair stated: "This was a serious departure from the standards expected of a registered nurse. The consequences were tragic and ultimately fatal."
Ms Bond, who did not attend the hearing, is now permanently removed from the nursing register and cannot practise as a nurse in the UK.
