Manager Problem

[HongKongphooey]

I have a problem. I work in a carehome and I have just found out that one of the nurses is working whilst waiting for a cataract operation next month. This means her sight so bad she can't see properly and because of this in my view she is not safe to be dispensing tablets to residents. I also have concerns about the way this nurse does her job, taking 2 hour breaks and leaving bleeding residents waiting for dressings. I have told the home manager my concerns but she doesn't think it's that much of a problem!! I'm horrified. Trouble is other than that I love working there I have alot of friends on the staff. I am torn between turning a blind eye to this nurse or going above my manager and reporting this to CQC. As I'm the only one to have spoken to the manager about this it would be difficult to stay working there cos it would be obvious it was me that had reported it. I think I could get another care job, it's just the hassle. What should I do?

[Boto]

Just because she has a cataract it doesn’t necessarily mean that her sight is so bad that she can’t do her job.

[rockyracoon]

Can you get other members of staff to make a complaint, then your boss won’t know where the CQC report has come from.

[HongKongphooey]

She has cataracts in both eyes, I've seen her make mistakes, one which resulted in a resident ending up in hospital with a serious infection. I hate reporting people but I feel this is putting residents at risk. Alot of my friends won't report it cos well I suppose they are afraid of going above the managers head.

[Canary42]

Don't the CQC do snap inspections?

I'm sure they could work that without pointing at you.

[Maydup]

Have you made it formal or just mentioned it to the manager. Either way it’s a potential safety issue (rather than a grievance) so make your point in writing, and mention safety and risk assessment.

Do you have a process for highlighting potential safety risks such as a H&S officer? Copy it to that person too.

Be polite and friendly but firm and concerned.

[HongKongphooey]

Thanks, I think they will have a H & S officer although I don't know who it is. I will think about putting it in writing.

[THECORBYLOON]

I would put the concerns in an e-mail to your boss and include your home e-mail address as a blind copy so that she doesn't see it.

That way, you have proof you informed her and the date you did it in case there are any issues.

[HongKongphooey]

Thanks, yes I will.