A NURSE continued prescribing medication for family and friends under another name even though she was no longer employed by Kidderminster Medical Centre.

Nicola Spruce has been given a caution order for five years by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) after it was found she prescribed under another name to non-patients while she was employed at Kidderminster Medical Centre.

Ms Spruce worked as an advanced nurse practitioner at the centre from February 2018 until February 28, 2019, but it was also found she continued to prescribe for family and friends once her employment ended.

Once Ms Spruce no longer worked at the centre she did not return a prescription pad and continued to use it.

The NMC panel decided that Ms Spruce’s actions fell significantly short of the standards expected of a registered nurse and that her actions breached the code for nurses and midwives.

However, the panel considered a number of positive references from patients and colleagues as well there being no further incidents since 2019 whilst Ms Spruce has still been in a prescribing role.

A document detailing the outcome of the hearing states: “The panel determined that a finding of impairment on public interest grounds is required as a member of the public, aware of the circumstances in this case would be concerned if a nurse with these concerns which include dishonesty, was allowed to practise unrestricted.

“The panel considered this case very carefully and decided to make a caution order for a period of five years.

“The effect of this order is that your name on the NMC register will show that you are subject to a caution order and anyone who enquires about your registration will be informed of this order.”