Scientist stole deadly germs
A BIOMEDICAL scientist working at North Tyneside General Hospital stole potentially deadly MRSA and E-coli germs from a hospital lab in a plan to commit suicide.
Fearing she could lose her job at the hospital in Rake Lane, North Shields, Jennifer Bainbridge said she became suicidal and removed bacteria found in MRSA and E-coli germs from the hospital's microbiology department.
At the last minute she pulled back from the brink and owned up to staff, resulting in her suspension and then her sacking. The 28-year-old is now facing further disciplinary action by the Healthcare Professions Council.
Miss Bainbridge, of Kenton, Newcastle, said: "I was desperate and I had hit rock bottom. Part of me just wanted to die.
"I was basically going to give myself septicaemia. I just took what was available in the lab, but I made sure they were organisms which were not going to put anyone else at risk.
"I didn't go through with it in the end because it was silly and a few days later I told staff. Even thinking about it all now makes me upset."
The germs, staphylococcus aureus and E-coli, can cause severe illness.
E-coli is often referred to as food poisoning and leads to vomiting and diarrhoea.
Staphylococcus aureus can cause skin and wound infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia and blood infection.
Miss Bainbridge was suspended by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust last summer after admitting taking the specimens and was then sacked last month.
Last week she was suspended for 18 months by the Health Professions Council, pending a full inquiry.
Colin Allies, chairman of the panel that imposed the interim suspension, said that having considered the submissions on behalf of the HPC and Miss Bainbridge's response, the panel had decided that suspension was necessary.
Mr Allies said: "The removal of pathogenic micro-organisms with the intention of using them for self-harm, as alleged, is a matter for grave concern.
"The panel is satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest, and in the interest of the registrant herself, that such an order should be made."
Miss Bainbridge, a former Kenton School pupil, had worked at North Tyneside General Hospital for more than six years. With a 27,000 salary, she was working in a lab analysing specimens from hospital sites across North Tyneside and Northumberland.
It had been her first job since graduating, but Jennifer said depression, two bouts of pneumonia and pancreatitis had all kept her away from the job she loved.
Miss Bainbridge has now started a job as a customer services advisor.
"Now I'm a different person," she said.
"My new job is fantastic and I feel that I'm supported and valued."
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Weather for Whitley Bay
Thursday 24 May 2012
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