Wrexham midwife struck off medical register after string of failings

A former midwife has been struck off the medical register after a string of failings.

Helen Bannister, who worked at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, committed a series of errors over a 10-year period - including taking a tea break while a patient was giving birth.

She also allowed a mother-to-be suffering with the life-threatening condition pre-eclampsia to be discharged.

In addition, a Nursing and Midwifery Council hearing learned the former midwife tampered with medical records three times.

Although the panel was told the 'corrections' had not been done in an attempt to hide any wrongdoing, the entries had broken strict rules on medical records.

Mrs Bannister, once regarded as an experienced and capable midwife, was suspended following an investigation by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

She resigned from her post in 2010 before bosses could sack her, and had said she had no desire to return to work.

But panel chairman Matthew Fiander said Mrs Bannister would be a danger to the public were she ever to return to work.

During a previous hearing Deborah Edwards, assistant head of midwifery, said Mrs Bannister's mistakes were so serious she would have been sacked for gross-misconduct had she not resigned.

Mrs Bannister was not present at any of the hearings and also chose not to be represented.

She has 28 days in which to appeal against today's verdict.