Midwife struck off for stealing medication

Sandra Drinkald stole "significant" amounts of medication from Cumberland Infirmary

A senior midwife who stole medication from a hospital has been struck off the nursing register.

Sandra Drinkald admitted "stockpiling medications" from the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle between November 2022 and April 2023 and being in possession of morphine, codeine and cannabis.

She referred herself to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) following her conviction over the thefts but did not attend the final hearing.

In an email to the NMC, she wrote: "I am truly sorry for what I did and accept that it was damaging to my beloved profession."

Her former employer, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, said it is "disappointed that a trusted member of staff behaved this way".

'Longstanding deception'

The inquiry panel took into account Mrs Dinkald's early admissions to the NMC charges, evidence of the stressful work environment and five positive testimonials which recorded her long career.

However, it found she had abused her position and risked "harm to patients" as she was taking "significant" amounts of drugs.

The panel said Mrs Drinkald was not "open and honest" about her wrongdoing until she was caught and arrested.

It also found the remorse she had was limited to "the impact it had on her and her family".

The NMC concluded Mrs Drinkald's actions were "premeditated and involved a longstanding deception".

If no appeal is made, the midwife - who has been on the register since 1998 - will be struck off 28 days after she receives the decision in writing.

The Foundation Trust said: "Sandra Drinkald's actions came to light because of our drug management procedures and the alertness of our colleagues.

"She was suspended when the issue came to light and following a disciplinary hearing was dismissed by the Trust."