Nurse loses her job for stealing two headache pills - Metro.co.uk

Francesca Morgan lost her job after she was caught stealing just two tablets (Picture: Cavendish Press)

An NHS nurse has been sacked for stealing two tablets from the hospital where she worked to treat her headache.

Francesca Morgan, 32, took a co-codamol and a paracetamol pill 'without legitimate reason' from the drugstore at Arrowe Park Hospital near Liverpool.

Health officials noticed prescription medication had gone missing and installed a secret camera which filmed her helping herself to the drugs.

Morgan, of Woolton, in Liverpool, pleaded guilty at Wirral magistrates' court to two thefts between June 6 and June 18 last year.

Yvonne Dobson, prosecuting, said: '

The hospital began an investigation due to a large number of pills needing replenishment. A tablet count was put in place to monitor the amount of medication at the beginning and end of each day.

'That was put in place without the knowledge of the staff.

'Following this a covert camera was put in place. A number of staff were found to not be following the correct procedure in the handling of medication.

'The defendant was also seen to take medication without a legitimate reason.

'She was stealing the medication for herself. On the first occasion she took some co-codamol. On the second occasion it was paracetamol.'

Morgan worked at Arrowe Park Hospital near Liverpool (Picture: Cavendish Press)

Morgan had been suffering headaches on her shift and believed it was acceptable to take the medication as other nurses were doing so, Ms Dobson said.

Defending her, Laura Flynn said Morgan had lost her career and home and has since had to move in with her grandmother.

Morgan was handed a 12-month conditional discharge and must pay £144 in costs and victim surcharge.

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