Blackpool nurse cleared to return after harassment suspension

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

A Blackpool nurse suspended for sexually harassing colleagues has been allowed to return to practice.

Andrew Paul Henson was suspended for six months by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) after a fitness to practise panel found he sexually harassed two junior female colleagues. The original allegations related to conduct between 2018 and 2021. In one incident, Henson made sexual comments to a colleague. In another, he invited a colleague to a private office under the pretext of discussing training, locked the door, massaged her shoulders, placed his hand on her leg and attempted to kiss her.

The NMC panel found his actions were unprofessional, breached professional boundaries and amounted to unwanted sexual harassment. The panel concluded that a finding of impairment was required on public interest grounds because of the seriousness of the misconduct, despite finding the risk of repetition was low.

At a review hearing on 17 September, the NMC accepted that Henson had provided reflective material and evidence of developing insight. The panel concluded that his fitness to practise is no longer impaired and ruled the suspension order should lapse when it expired on 13 October. However, the NMC argued that concerns remained that he was still minimising aspects of his behaviour.

How it is being reported

• Nurse suspended for sexually harassing colleagues allowed to return to professionA Blackpool nurse suspended after a regulator found he sexually harassed two junior colleagues has been cleared to return to practiceLancashire Telegraph · 22 Oct, 05:00
• Update on future of Blackpool Victoria Hospital nurse who locked colleague in room and tried to kiss herA hearing ruled that the nurse’s actions violated both women’s dignity as well as making their work environment intimidating, hostile, degrading and humiliating.Blackpool Gazette · 20 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Andrew Paul Henson · Nursing and Midwifery Council · Blackpool

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