Professor Sir George Castledine apologises to patient

A professor of nursing has apologised to an elderly patient and her family at a disciplinary hearing, after he admitted declaring his love for her.

Sir George Castledine, 63, has admitted calling the then 83-year-old patient, known as Patient A, "my little Tinkerbell" and giving her gifts.

He told the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) hearing his conduct was not sexually or financially motivated.

He faces misconduct charges dating back to 2009 when he worked in Birmingham.

Sir George was working at Onneley House, a day centre for over-60s, as part of his role as chief executive of the Institute of Ageing and Health West Midlands.

'Reflected on mistakes'

He was counselling Patient A after the death of her husband, although was not qualified to do so, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) was told.

Sir George told the disciplinary panel: "Throughout my career I have always endeavoured to put the patient first.

"There have been aspects of this case which have greatly upset me and this has been a salutary experience.

"Having reflected on my shortcomings and behaviour and reflected on my mistakes, [I] sincerely reiterate my apologies to all concerned."

Sir George admits a charge of "failing to maintain appropriate professional boundaries" with Patient A, but denies a number of other misconduct charges against him.

If found guilty of misconduct, Sir George, who was knighted for his services to healthcare in 2007, could be struck off the nursing register.

The hearing continues.