RACHEL LYNN STRUCK OFF IN BALLOCH AFTER BABY BOY FALLS ON INVERNESS ROAD

In a disturbing incident that took place in June 2014, Rachel Lynn, a nurse from Balloch near Inverness, was involved in a reckless act that resulted in a four-month-old baby suffering a serious injury. The incident occurred while Lynn was pushing the child's pram through the streets, reportedly while under the influence of alcohol, as she was on her way to purchase vodka.

According to reports from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), witnesses observed Lynn holding the infant by his ankles with her left hand, lifting him over her left shoulder. At the same time, she was holding the pram with her right hand. The situation took a dangerous turn when she released her grip, causing the baby to fall headfirst onto the road surface. The child then flopped over onto his side, prompting immediate concern from bystanders.

One couple, who were in their garden nearby, heard the distressed cries of the baby and looked over to see the alarming scene. The husband of the couple recounted that he saw Lynn holding the child by his ankles and then letting go. Both witnesses approached to check on the child's condition and noted a strong smell of alcohol on Lynn’s breath. They also observed that she was slurring her words, indicating intoxication.

The baby was quickly taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, where medical staff diagnosed him with an 11cm (4.3 inches) skull fracture. Fortunately, after a few days of treatment, the infant was discharged from the hospital, but the injury was severe enough to warrant serious concern.

Following the incident, Lynn faced legal proceedings. In January, she was convicted at Inverness Sheriff Court of wilfully ill-treating a young child for whom she had parental responsibilities, resulting in injury. As part of her sentence, she was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid community service. It was also revealed that she had been charged with drink driving just three days prior to the incident, and she had been convicted of that offence in the same court last year.

In a subsequent disciplinary hearing held in Edinburgh, the NMC panel determined that Lynn’s ability to practice as a children's nurse was currently impaired. The panel emphasized that her conduct posed a significant risk to both herself and others, especially considering her state of intoxication during the incident. The panel concluded that her actions had severely undermined public confidence in the nursing profession and the regulatory process.

Additional factors influencing the decision included her prior convictions and the fact that the offence involved a highly vulnerable young child. The panel stated that allowing her to continue practicing could potentially lead to further harm, and therefore, striking her off the nursing register was deemed the only appropriate and proportionate response. NMC legal representative Derek Zeitlin expressed concern that Lynn continued to pose a risk of significant harm if she did not address her health and alcohol issues.

Tim Mann, the chairman of the NMC panel, highlighted that her pattern of behaviour and lack of insight into her actions justified the decision. He emphasized that the seriousness of her convictions and her failure to demonstrate remorse or understanding meant that her removal from the register was necessary to protect the public and uphold the integrity of the nursing profession.