A Kilmarnock care worker who showed up for a shift under the influence of alcohol has been issued with a warning.
Amanda-Jane Kennedy, a community care officer, drove to work after drinking booze on or around May 5 this year.
The Scottish Social Services Council determined she drove a company vehicle while over the legal drink driving limit.
The linked incidents occurred while Kennedy was employed with East Ayrshire Council.
The SSSC said that while no actual harm was caused to any service users or the wider public, Kennedy's conduct posed a serious risk of harm.
The care watchdog decided to place a warning on her registration — on the parts of the Register for Support Workers in Care at Home Service and Support Workers in a Housing Support Service — for a period of two years.
A report detailing the incident said Kennedy failed to act responsibly, was reckless and showed a disregard for the law.
The SSSC statement went on: "Being under the influence of alcohol has the potential to impair your judgment and your ability to practice competently and safely.
"You not only put service users at risk of harm by attending for your shift under the influence of alcohol, but also yourself, members of the public and other road users by driving while impaired.
"Fortunately, nobody was harmed. However the misconduct falls below what is expected of you as a social care worker.
"Members of the public would be concerned that a registered worker would act in this manner. If the behaviour was repeated, people would be placed at risk of harm."
It was noted that Kennedy had not engaged with the SSSC investigation. However, she was given credit for providing her employer with a handwritten apology and reflecting on her behaviour.
The SSSC also pointed out it was an isolated incident and that Kennedy had not come to their attention before.
The report concluded: "We wrote to you on July 22, 2022 to tell you we wanted to place a warning on your registration.
"After explaining the consequences of not asking for a hearing, and recommending you take legal advice, you have not asked that the case is referred to a Fitness to Practise Panel.
"We are therefore permitted by the Rules to impose this warning on your registration."
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