A trusted drugs nurse was struck off today (MON) f
A trusted drugs nurse was struck off today (MON) for peddling substances to friends and colleagues within the medical profession.
Mark Sanderson, 35, worked as a specialist in drug and alcohol abuse but believed his customers ‘knew the risks.
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Sanderson was jailed in June 2002 for 18 months at Wolverhampton Crown Court after he admitted supplying ecstasy and cannabis to fund his own habit.
But the nurse, who also admitted possessing over 16 grammes of herbal cannabis at his home in Wednesfield, West Midlands, in September 2001, agreed he made ‘a small profit’ from his dealing.
A professional conduct committee of the Nursing and Midwifery Council took 30 minutes to end his career as a medical practitioner after finding him guilty of misconduct.
Chairwoman Anne Kelly said Sanderson’s behaviour failed to justify the public’s trust and confidence in ‘upholding or advancing’ the standards or reputation of the profession.
Mrs Kelly said the ‘seriousness of the conviction’ and Sanderson’s ‘lack of awareness of his responsibilities as an addiction nurse’ helped the panel reach their decision.
Sanderson, who has since been released from prison and also has an address in Walsall, was not at the London hearing.
PC Lyndon Whitehouse told the tribunal how police colleagues executed a search warrant at Sanderson’s Wednesfield home on September 21, 2001.
‘During that search, quantities of herbal cannabis were recovered at various locations in the property both upstairs and downstairs.
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The officer said more than 16g of herbal cannabis, with a street value of pnds stlng 80, was found.
It consisted of a large ‘bag’ of the drug wrapped in clingfilm, and used and unsmoked reefers.
When interviewed, Sanderson further confessed he had not only supplied cannabis but also ecstasy to friends and associates.
‘He said the friends and associates were members of the medical profession and that they were well read in cannabis and ecstasy and they well knew the risks they were taking,’ said Pc Whitehouse.
At the time Sanderson worked on a mental health unit at New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, specialising in drink and drug abuse.
The policeman confirmed that no ecstasy was actually found in the search and the nurse ‘volunteered’ that he had been pushing drugs.
Sanderson had worked for the Wolverhampton City Health Care Trust since July 1999 but was sacked in June last year.
He qualified in 1996 before working for a trust in South Derbyshire until December that year before moving to a post with the Walsall Community Health Trust.
And the tribunal heard that while working at New Cross Hospital Sanderson would be advising on the misuse of drugs and alcohol – ironically including cannabis and ecstasy.
ends
mmmm
