Newcastle based nurse struck off after being caught working agency shifts while on sick leave from the ambulance service

A Newcastle-based nurse has been struck off after working agency shifts while on sick leave from the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS).

Karen Ann Eden, a senior clinical advisor, claimed sick pay from NEAS while signing off timesheets for agency shifts through Medical Resource Partners. A misconduct panel found she knowingly breached regulations for personal financial gain.

The panel also heard how Eden posted publicly on Facebook, naming and criticising a colleague she suspected of reporting her. Her comments, including calling them a “green eyed monster,” were found to be intentionally hurtful and intimidating.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council ruled that her actions amounted to sustained and premeditated misconduct, stating she had defrauded the NHS and potentially risked patient care. The panel concluded her behaviour was fundamentally incompatible with remaining on the nursing register.

Eden has 28 days to appeal the decision.