PERTHSHIRE CARER STRUCK OFF AFTER ‘SHAM’ WEDDING ROW AND ABUSING DEMENTIA SUFFERER
A social care worker in Perthshire has been removed from the register following misconduct involving police confrontations and abuse towards a resident with dementia.David Halkett was employed as a carer at Ruthven Towers Nursing Home in Auchterarder.
He worked with the Balhousie Care Group from February 2021 and has been a registered social care worker since 2011.
A Scottish Social Care Services hearing recently heard three allegations against Halkett, leading to a determination that his suitability to work as a caregiver had been impaired due to two criminal convictions and one misconduct claim spanning from February 2022 to May 2023.
The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) stated that Halkett, 49 years old, was convicted at Perth Sheriff Court on August 8, 2023, for conduct described as threatening or abusive.
Reports indicated he shouted and used foul language at police officers during an incident at the Green Hotel in Kinross on February 6, 2022, and is accused of issuing violent threats.
Balhousie Care Group commented that Halkett’s actions were completely unacceptable.
The incident involved a dispute with his then-partner, Rodrigo Caetano, which reportedly occurred on their wedding night after Caetano claimed their marriage was a sham.
Witnesses at the hotel called police following a row while intoxicated.
Halkett also faced a conviction on February 20, 2024, related to an incident where he allegedly behaved in a threatening manner towards a 90-year-old resident, known as ZZ, who had dementia and was under his care.
The allegation states that he shouted at the resident, acted aggressively, pushed a trolley toward him, and expelled him from a room.
The last set of allegations pertained to incidents at Ruthven Towers in May 2023.
It was alleged that Halkett unnecessarily limited a resident’s coffee intake and disposed of a cup of coffee just prepared for her, despite no documentation restricting her drinks.
The resident was elderly, incontinent, and unaffiliated with any beverage restrictions.
The hearing also detailed an incident involving another resident, referred to as YY, a larger, bedbound woman with skin issues requiring thorough washing.
Halkett was accused of using foam cleaner to wash her and of dismissively saying “I can’t be bothered to listen to it” when she was distressed.
This action violated the care home’s hygiene procedures.
Halkett admitted to the first two allegations, and the SSSC found the third to be proven.
He chose not to comment when approached.
A representative from BCG stated, “Mr Halkett was employed by BCG three years ago during these events.
His conduct was completely unacceptable, constituting a significant breach of trust and our values.
We treat any violations of resident safety and dignity very seriously and enforce high standards to ensure a safe, compassionate environment for our residents and staff.”
