Dorothy Onwuteaka, from Bournemouth has been removed from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register following a fitness to practise process examining concerns dating from 2019 to 2021, shortly after she qualified as a nurse.
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) panel found that between November 2019 and April 2021 she “failed to demonstrate the standards of knowledge, skill and judgement required to practise without supervision.”
The failings identified included falling asleep during shifts, medication errors, delayed or missed patient observations, and failing to recognise when patients required urgent care.
The panel concluded that her fitness to practise is currently impaired.
In its sanction decision, the panel said it considered all available options, starting with taking no action, but ruled this out due to the seriousness of the case and the need to protect the public.
A caution order was also rejected because it would not place any restriction on practice and was not proportionate given the findings.
The panel then considered a conditions of practice order but decided workable and measurable conditions could not be formulated to adequately address the concerns about her lack of competence.
However, the panel determined that a further period of suspension would not serve any useful purpose in all of the circumstances, especially as Mrs Onwuteaka has not engaged with the NMC since March 2025.
Throughout the duration of the three year suspension order, a pattern of failing to provide sufficient insight and reflection has emerged at each review.
On February 3, it concluded that a striking-off order was the only sanction that would adequately protect the public and maintain confidence in the profession.
The panel said: “The panel determined that it was necessary to take action to prevent Mrs Onwuteaka from practising in the future and concluded that the only sanction that would adequately protect the public and serve the public interest was a striking-off order.”
The case represents the fourth review of a substantive suspension order first imposed by a Fitness to Practise Committee panel in February 2023 for six months.
That order was extended in July 2023, February 2024 and February 2025 following review hearings.
The striking-off order will take effect when the current suspension expires on March 12, 2026, in accordance with the NMC’s governing rules.