A nurse who allegedly withdrew large sums of money using an ATM card belonging to a terminally ill nursing home resident yesterday faced allegations of professional misconduct before a disciplinary inquiry.
It is alleged nurse Elizabeth Yvonne Williamson, while working at the Bloomfield Care Centre in Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, used an ATM card belonging to a resident, referred to as KD, without his consent to withdraw large sums of money.
She allegedly withdrew approximately €5,300 at various times between October 10th, 2011, and May 8th, 2012.
It is also alleged Ms Williamson, who was known as Yvonne Claffey during her time at Bloomfield, retained the money for her own use and benefit.
It is further alleged that she used the elderly resident’s ATM card without his consent on April 6th, 2012 at an Asda shop in Northern Ireland, making a purchase that amounted to just over €250.
Frail
The inquiry heard that resident KD, who is now deceased, was a “vulnerable, frail and elderly man receiving palliative care”.
In a letter to the Nursing Board prior to the inquiry, Ms Williamson argued that all the withdrawals she made using KD’s card were made with his knowledge and at his request.
Following a Garda investigation, Ms Williamson repaid KD €6,000 and wrote a letter of apology.
The hearing continues.