Tooting nurse struck off for breast grope on patient (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Tooting nurse struck off for breast grope on patient

8:10am Wednesday 18th April 2012 in News

A nurse has been "struck off" the nursing register for groping a patient's breasts.

Bernardino Capriglione, from Tooting, was convicted of sexual assault at Guildford Crown Court in May last year where he was given a six month prison term, suspended for 12 months for the sexual assault.

Following a conduct and competence committee hearing for the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) last week, he was subsequently removed from the nursing register, and has been barred from applying to be a nurse for five years.

The hearing heard Mr Capriglione was routinely examining the female patient at St George's Hospital, prior to an operation, when he touched her breasts in circumstances where, according to the NMC, there was "no justification for doing so".

It also found that the nurse committed the act, which took place in early 2011, out of "sexual gratification".

The victim, who cannot be name for legal reasons, immediately told staff at the hospital and Mr Capriglione was handed an immediate 18-month "interim" suspension while an investigation was launched.

The report written by the NMC committee said: "Mr Capriglione’s action, in sexually assaulting a patient under his care, is a fundamental breach of the trust that patients and the public are entitled to expect from a registered nurse.

"The panel note a striking-off order is necessary to safeguard the public from any risk posed by Mr Capriglione, to maintain public confidence in the professions and the NMC.

"Accordingly, the panel determined to direct the registrar to strike Mr Capriglione off the register.

"Mr Capriglione may not apply for restoration until five years after the date that this decision takes effect."

The nurse must also sign on the sex offenders register for seven years.