A NURSE who ran a learning disability facility in Colchester has had her suspension increased “to protect the public”.

Linda Lynch ran a site in Lexden including Elizabeth House, Victoria House, Cymbeline Lodge and the Clover unit until an inspection uncovered grievous failings.

She was suspended for 12 months, until March 2015, and this has been extended again for another six months as the manager is still not considered fit to work in healthcare.

Ms Lynch, who did not respond or attend the nursing and midwifery council hearing, put those in her care in danger, a report said.

The statement states she allowed unqualified staff tomanage shifts. Out of date medication was stored, used and was not secured properly. There were not enough staff.

Infection control measures were not used, medication was given and not recorded leading to the danger of it being given again or not at all. Other out of date stock was kept, and used.

The panel found while “there was no evidence of actual patient harm, there was an unwarranted risk”.

It continued: “Mrs Lynch did not pass her medication assessment, did not seem to realise the importance of correct storage of medication and did not adhere to even basic infection control procedures.”

The report added the faults could be fixed with extra training, but “Mrs Lynch sought to blame others for her own shortcomings”.

It was concluded her actions “brought the nursing profession into disrepute”, “was liable in the future to put patients at risk of harm”, and an extension of the suspension “was necessary to protect the public”.

She has not been struck off and the panel will reconvene in six months.

Mrs Lynch could not be contacted.

! Lynda Lynch, who runs care homes such as Great Horkesley Manor, is not the nurse concerned in the proceedings.