An Edinburgh social worker wrote and published a book which disclosed details of her job and service users who she supported.
Following an investigation by the Scottish Social Services Council, Nina Grey was given a 12-month warning on her record as punishment for "failing to respect the dignity of numerous people."
The novel, which was available for sale on Amazon, reportedly used derogatory language towards people who uses services and gave details about such encounters during her employment which placed individuals at risk of being identified.
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After concerns were raised, the book was removed from public sale and Grey, who was employed by Edinburgh Council at the time, issued an apology as well as showing regret and remorse for her actions.
Several extracts of Grey's book were referred to as evidence during the hearing, albeit much of the information being redacted on the decision file. Several quotes from the novel reveal how Grey went into detail about 'aggressive' service users, as well as those who struggled with mobility and feeding themselves.
Following an in-depth hearing with the SSSC, the panel said: "You wrote a book, published on Amazon, in which you detailed encounters involving people who use services during your work in social services.
"These excerpts you wrote failed to respect the dignity of numerous people who use services, used derogatory language towards people who use services and the detail you gave about such encounters placed such people who use services at risk of being identified.
"Your behaviour was degrading and disrespectful towards people who use services. Your behaviour had the potential to cause emotional harm to people who use services and people known to them. Your behaviour amounts to an abuse of the power placed in you by virtue of your registered role and the unique insight you had into vulnerable people’s lives."
The panel continued to say how Grey has remedied her behaviour to some extent through insight, reflection and remorse. However, her actions were serious, deliberate and damages the reputation of the profession.
An Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership spokesperson said: “It would be inappropriate to comment on personnel issues.”
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