A support worker has been given a warning for "unacceptable behaviour" after failing to seek medical attention for a patient following a fall.

Lynette Givan, employed in North Berwick for Prestonpans-based ELCAP, has been given a two year warning by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

Evidence given to the public body indicated that on or around August 11, 2023, while employed as a support practitioner, Ms Givan used a mechanical hoist on her own with the patient, contrary to procedures relating to manual handling. 

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This led to the patient in her care to fall from the ground and injure themselves, requiring medical attention. 

The SSSC also found that Ms Givan failed to get medical attention for the patient after their fall from the hoist. 

The warning was initiated on November 19. 

A SSSC report said: "While this was an isolated incident, it happened during your shift, and you acted in a manner which falls well below the standards expected of a social service worker.

"The finding of impairment in necessary to mark the unacceptable nature of your behaviour and to maintain confidence in the integrity of the register and the SSSC as the regulator.

"After referring to our decisions guidance, we decided the appropriate sanction is to place a warning on your registration for a period of 24 months."

The SSSC's role is to protect the public by registering social service workers, setting standards for their practice, conduct, training and education and by supporting their professional development. 

A spokesperson for ELCAP said, “This was an extremely regrettable and avoidable incident. The fact that the employee completely ignored the detailed training and instruction that she had received was a serious breach of trust and professionalism.

"We immediately launched a thorough investigation and reported our findings to the SSSC.

"The employee no longer works for the organisation”.