An Edinburgh carer has been cautioned after turning up to work under the influence of alcohol.
Following a hearing with the Scottish Social Services Council, it was proven that around August 2020, Terilea McGovern turned up for her shift at Guthrie House, on Lasswade Road, after consuming alcohol.
As a result, the council said that McGovern's actions were serious as she made the decision to drink "in excess" before her shift and therefore was "not fit to carry out her duties."
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A report also raised concerns that due to McGovern showing a lack of regret and insight during the investigation, there is nothing to suggest her behaviour will not be repeated.
It says: "Social service workers should not put themselves or other people at unnecessary risk. You attended work under the influence of alcohol and you were not fit to carry out your duties safety. Alcohol can impair balance, vision and decision making as well as other functions. You could have caused physical injury to service users and colleagues.
"Social service workers should keep to the employer’s health and safety policies, including those relating to substance misuse. You appear to have had good intentions in that you wanted to come in for your shift and carry out your duties. You made a poor error in judgement by consuming too much alcohol before your shift, which meant you were unfit for work."
The report concluded by noting how despite showing a lack of understanding during the investigation, the incident was McGovern's first of concern during her career as a social service worker and no harm was caused as a result.
A Four Seasons spokesperson said: "Four Seasons immediately suspended the employee in question while a thorough review of the allegations took place. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the employee was dismissed in September 2020 and the incident was reported to the SSSC."
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