MIAA investigation leads to prosecution of nurse addicted to painkillers

An MIAA investigation conducted on behalf of a Merseyside CCG resulted in a successful prosecution of a nurse addicted to painkillers who posed as her own mother and other family members to get access to prescription drugs.

A senior ward sister employed by a North West Trust lied 13 times over a six-month period to obtain Pregabalin from NHS out-of-hours services pretending to be her mum, her best friend and her mother-in-law.

Jennifer Peters started taking painkillers following two very difficult births but became addicted in 2017. She was the subject of a disciplinary hearing at the Hospital where she worked and subsequently resigned from her job following a second interview with MIAA’s fraud investigation team. She appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court in October 2020 after admitting five charges of fraud.

The nurse, who was previously of good character, was handed a 40-week sentence suspended for 18 months and was ordered to undertake 100 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to complete 10 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirements, pay £85 costs and a £140 victim surcharge.

A panel from the Nursing and Midwifery Council met on the 1-3 February 2023 and the 20 February 2023 and made the decision to strike Peters off the register following a debate on her fitness to practice.