'Stressed out' nurse stole drugs

Andrew Cavanagh was found slumped in a car

A "well-respected" nurse has been convicted of stealing drugs from a hospital operating theatre in Dundee.

Andrew Cavanagh was found unconscious at the wheel of a car with a syringe in his arm after working a night shift at Ninewells hospital in September.

The 24-year-old, from Carnoustie, pleaded guilty to stealing the drugs, saying he was "stressed out" by juggling work and £18,000 of debt.

Sheriff Richard Davidson sentenced him to 100 hours of community service.

Depute fiscal Emma Stewart told Dundee Sheriff Court Cavanagh had been working in the recovery room of the theatre suite overnight and had finished his shift at 0730 GMT on 28 September.

It is likely to have a profound effect on your career. You were a well-respected member of your team, but you have blown that respect Sheriff Richard Davidson

The fiscal said a member of the public was leaving her house in Laird Street when she discovered the unconscious Cavanagh, who has worked as a nurse for four years.

Ms Stewart said: "She saw the accused's vehicle parked outside her house. He appeared to be unconscious and was slumped over the gear stick.

"When she had a closer look, she could see there was a needle hanging from his arm."

Solicitor Ian Vaughan, defending, told the court his client had been experiencing personal difficulties.

Mr Vaughan said: "He has a 15-month-old son, and he regularly contributes £160 a month to his son's upkeep. He had relationship difficulties with his partner, and mother of his son, and was having trouble sleeping.

"So he took 2mls of a sedative to try and sleep."

'Appalling mistake'

The solicitor told the court his client had attended a disciplinary hearing at Ninewells Hospital and expected to lose his job in the next two weeks.

Sheriff Davidson said he believed the theft of drug vials from the operating theatre was a "cry for help" by a stressed young nurse.

Sentencing Cavanagh, the sheriff told him he had made an "appalling mistake".

"It is likely to have a profound effect on your career," he said. "You were a well-respected member of your team, but you have blown that respect."

He told the court the theft was also a "substantial breach of trust".

Cavanagh pleaded guilty to stealing six vials of medication, a quantity of syringes, and assorted drugs paraphernalia from the theatre suite at the hospital.

A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside confirmed that Cavanagh was suspended "immediately" after being arrested.