Llanelli paramedic cleared after shopping on duty

 

A Carmarthenshire paramedic, was suspended after going shopping while on duty, has been told she can return to work. A disciplinary hearing found the case against Llanelli-based Esther Thomas was not well founded and that her actions did not amount to misconduct. Ms Thomas took her ambulance to an Aldi store in the town without telling controllers she was free for another medical emergency. She denied her behaviour amounted to misconduct. The hearing in Cardiff heard that Thomas bought personal shopping at the store while on duty, while another paramedic from the Welsh Ambulance Service waited in the car park outside. Laura Ryan who presented the case said the incident happened after Ms Thomas and another paramedic had been asked to respond to an emergency patient call. She said: "The patient declined transport to hospital and, after completing paperwork, Thomas asked her colleague to drive her to Aldi’’. She did not inform her controller that she was clear to carry out further duties. The hearing was told Thomas was suspended after the incident was reported to the Welsh Ambulance Service in April 2009. Miss Ryan said: "The investigation found she attended the supermarket without any permission and there was a delay in her being available to go any other job. Esther Thomas was then dismissed from the service. However she appealed and was reinstated but she remains suspended and is still currently being paid. The hearing was told that Thomas had a personal medical problem and that her treatment may have affected her behaviour.

 

Reaction:

Well I think a paramedic should be always available when they are on duty because someone can need an ambulance in any moment. This woman decided to go shopping and because they found out they decided to suspend her. According to the information on this article, she has a personal medical problem. The treatment may have affected her behaviour. This does not mean that this incident is acceptable. If she was having problems she should not went to work because a paramedic have to be hundred percent focused on his or her job so he or she can help a patient.  

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-12138435