National: Nurse pleads guilty to altering prescriptions
Nurse with addiction problems didn't think her doctor would give her any more of a certain prescription
A nurse who altered prescriptions as she didn't think her doctor would give her any more of a certain drug because she was addicted to it, appeared at last week's district court.
Barrister Suzanne Dooner said her client Deirdre Payne (54) of Riverdale, Clonmore Edenderry, was pleading guilty to the offences and had been fully cooperative.
Ms Payne was charged with entering four pharmacies on different dates with duly issued prescriptions which had been altered with intent to deceive.
The incidents took place at Ryan's Chemist on Main Street in Daingean, on November 22, 2022. Medical Hall, JKL Street, Edenderry on September 23, 2022. Tedders Chemist, JKL Street, Edenderry on September 8, 2022 and Quinn's Pharmacy, Granary Court, Edenderry on September 7, 2022.
In her evidence, Sergeant Justine Reilly said two of the prescriptions were copied and the other two had been altered.
Barrister Suzanne Dooner said her client was very ashamed and embarrassed and it was having a significant impact on her. She had an alcohol addiction and had attended the Rutland Centre. She also attended St John of God and is doing well. In addition she attends AA and completed a course in Cuan Mhuire in 2023.
Deirdre Payne is currently suspended from her work and this will have a significant impact on her life going forward. Ms Dooner said she was supported by her husband who accompanied her in court. She said she had allowed her mental health condition to get the better of her. Ms Dooner asked if the court would consider a probation report.
Judge Cody said there was a very high bar for a nurse working in a hospital with prescriptions. He said it was not the case at the moment that she was fully recovered.
He adjourned the case for 12 weeks to June 26, 2024 for a probation and welfare report.
''I won't make any promises''. He said, when a nurse forges a prescription it is not conducive to doing so. An application for legal aid was granted by Judge Cody.