Charges dismissed against Lismore nurse accused of stealing morphine

Police allege CCTV footage showed the 60-year-old woman entering a treatment room at a Northern Rivers aged care facility and removing syringes and morphine while no one was around.

The 60-year-old woman fronted Lismore Local Court on Monday, July 19 for three charges including stealing property as a clerk/servant, possessing a prohibited drug, and publishing false or misleading material to obtain property.

A Lismore nurse who allegedly stole morphine has had her case dismissed due to mental health concerns.

The 60-year-old woman fronted Lismore Local Court on Monday, July 19 over three charges, including stealing property as a clerk/servant, possessing a prohibited drug, and publishing false or misleading material to obtain property.

A police statement of facts alleged the charges related to a series of incidents between December 21 and January 31 when the woman was a registered nurse at a Northern Rivers aged care facility.

On February 2, staff reported to the aged care’s service manager that they alleged the 60-year-old had been “overusing” morphine sulfate when administering it to residents.
Police then launched an investigation using CCTV footage from two treatment rooms.

Police alleged the CCTV footage showed on several occasions the nurse entering the treatment room and removing syringes and morphine while no one was around.

It was alleged that several times, she did this before faking the signature of a Care Service Employee on the Drugs of Addiction Register.

Police also alleged the woman pocketed tablets on one occasion before resuming her work duties, according to court documents.

During her Monday mention, solicitor Kylie Anderson Clarke said a treatment plan was appropriate given the woman’s mental state.

“She is before the HCCC (Health Care Complaints Commission) now because of this matter,” she said.

“They are waiting on the outcome of these proceedings to continue.

“She is no longer in employment and likely her registration will cease permanently, that is something your honour has to take into account.”

HCCC confirmed to Northern Star the commission was investigating a complaint regarding a RN with the woman’s name, but could not comment further.

The Police Prosecutor conceded those facts.

“On the face of things it’s serious but her mental health has to be weighed up,” he said.

Magistrate Jeff Linden accepted the circumstances and discharged the woman on all three counts.

She was also ordered to attend counselling and assessment around her substance misuse.