In a shocking turn of events, former healthcare professionals Catherine Hudson and Charlotte Wilmot have been convicted of unlawfully drugging patients at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Hudson, a senior nurse on the stroke unit, and Wilmot, an assistant practitioner, were found guilty of multiple offences, revealing a disturbing pattern of abuse and negligence.
The duo needlessly sedated patients between 2017 and 2018, with evidence suggesting they did so for personal amusement, spite towards patients, and to have an easier shift. The acts, committed with complete disregard for consequences, endangered the lives of vulnerable patients, as non-prescribed sedatives were administered without proper medical assessment.
The lax restrictions on prescription-only drugs in the stroke unit facilitated theft and self-medication by staff. Zopiclone, among other drugs, was stolen and used to drug patients, showcasing a gross violation of ethical and professional standards.
The investigation was initiated in November 2018 after a courageous student nurse raised concerns about patient treatment. The subsequent revelations included derogatory and cruel exchanges among staff members, laughing about patient harm and boasting about drugging them.
Hudson and Wilmot’s actions came to light as messages exposed their callous attitude towards patients. In one disturbing instance, Hudson messaged her daughter about sedating a troublesome patient, laughing that he “sleeps like a baby.”
The legal proceedings uncovered a significant theft of medications, with Hudson stealing Omeprazole and Mebeverine, and conspiring with others to steal Zopiclone. Both Hudson and Wilmot admitted to conspiring to steal, with Hudson facing additional charges of perverting the course of justice.
Detective Chief Inspector Jill Johnston of Lancashire Police expressed dismay at the abuse of trust by Hudson and Wilmot. Their behavior was described as a complete betrayal of the trust patients and their families placed in healthcare professionals. Johnston emphasised the risks associated with such callous acts, pointing out that inappropriately sedating elderly stroke patients could lead to added health complications and even death.
Hudson and Wilmot will face sentencing at a later date
