A PRESTWICK carer has been struck off after a repeated pattern of abusive behaviour against multiple vulnerable people.
Catherine Hepburn was employed as a social care worker, where she threatened and mocked several residents while on shift over a six-year period.
Following an investigation by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), it was found that Hepburn threatened one resident with being sent to a respite care home if she did not stop wetting the bed.
The three residents, identified in the decision only as AA, BB and CC, were also subjected to repeated name-calling.
Between April 2018 and October 2024, Hepburn called service user AA a “big baby” repeatedly, shouted that she was a “bad person” and threatened to call her niece.
When AA became upset at someone passing away on television, Hepburn told her to “get a grip, stop that”.
She also withheld support from AA, who required assistance while using the toilet, responding with “you won’t fall, get up”.
Hepburn also called service user BB a “dragon” and “old dragon”, which upset her.
When BB asked her for assistance after soiling herself, Hepburn handed her a bag and said “just go clean yourself up”.
She also told a colleague to “stop sucking up to her” when they brought down BB’s washing.
In relation to resident CC, Hepburn physically pushed his head back with her hand when he was hunched over.
She also referred to CC as a “dirty dog” and a “bad boy".
The SSSC determined that Hepburn’s behaviour was “fundamentally incompatible” with professional registration.
The report added: “Your behaviour was abusive, threatening and raises serious values issues that are not aligned with a care and support role.
"There is a clear pattern of abusive behaviour over a prolonged period of time. You repeatedly disrespected, intimidated and humiliated vulnerable residents in your care.
"You repeatedly disrespected, intimidated and humiliated vulnerable residents in your care. It is not the type of behaviour that could be remedied through further training or reflection."
It was also found that Hepburn failed to cooperate with the watchdog’s investigation, further raising concerns.
They stated: "Given the seriousness of the behaviour and the absence of reflection we think there is a risk of the behaviour being repeated and this would put vulnerable people at risk of further harm.
"The SSSC believes you present an ongoing public protection risk and action must be taken to uphold the public confidence in the profession and the SSSC as a regulator."
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