AN AYR carer has been struck off for assaulting a 77-year-old resident with dementia during her work.

Caroline McCourt was removed from the social services register for attacking a vulnerable resident in her work.

While working at Heathfield House nursing home McCourt assault the vulnerable resident, then aged 77, by striking him on the head with her hand before climbing on top of him back in 2018.

The Scottish Social Services Council found her fitness to practise was impaired after McCourt was convicted of the assault at Ayr Sheriff Court on May 27 2019.

The SSSC said: “Social services workers are expected to care for the vulnerable residents and protect them, insofar as is possible, from harm. “

“You were convicted of striking resident AA on the face and climbing on him which amounts to physical abuse of a vulnerable resident, placing him at risk of physical and emotional harm.

“You have been convicted of assaulting AA within AA’s home, namely Healthfield House Care Home, where he was entitled to feel safe.

“Your behaviour is indicative of a lack of self-control and violates the fundamental tenets of the profession.

“Resident AA suffered from dementia and relied on you to look after him. You were in a position of trust in respect of this vulnerable resident and your actions have breached that trust.  

“The behaviour you have exhibited damages the reputation of the profession. There is a public interest in maintaining trust and confidence in the register and upholding proper standards of behaviour.”