43-year-old Donna McGoldrick, of Castleview Court, Henry Street Enniskillen, pleaded guilty to stealing Zopiclone, Co-codamol and Solpadol between 13th December 2016 and 17th January 2017. 

McGoldrick also pleaded guilty to stealing 14 tablets of Zopiclone, a sleeping tablet, to the total value of £14, and  a controlled drug of Class C, namely Zopiclone on January 17th 2017. 

At Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Wednesday, the court heard that on January 6th staff of the ICU unit in SWAH became aware that drugs had been taken. 

On January 17th, the police were told that a further number of tablets were unaccounted for. 

The defendant was stopped by police after her shift, and she handed over a strip of 14 tablets, and McGoldrick was arrested.

During her interview, the nurse admitted committing the offences. 

Defending counsel, Bernard Corrigan, told the court that his client had been working as a nurse for over 20 years at various locations, and she had been caring for individuals to the detriment of her own health. Mr Corrigan also pointed out that the medical report explains “the context in which these offences occurred.” 

The solicitor described the incident as a “wake-up call” and McGoldrick has recognised the situation she was in and has sought help from various agencies. He also claimed the work she has undertaken has been “tremendous” and explained that she was first suspended from work, but this has been lifted and she is currently on sick leave. 

The nurse has not been removed from the Nursing Register, but the Nursing and Midwifery Council has placed an interim measure with restrictions on her work. 

The solicitor also stated that his client has expressed “remorse” and made no attempt to mask her offending and that she was more concerned about the shame brought on her profession and on her family. 

District Judge Nigel Broderick said he recognised the difficulties McGoldrick had faced, and that she has got help and treatment. He also said that the theft was not for financial gain, but to address pain for various conditions that ‘clouded her judgement’. He also added irrespective of the sentencing there be will further proceedings with the relevant bodies to deal with disciplinary matters.

 He added the custodial threshold had been crossed, and imposed a nine month jail sentence, suspended for two years.