Cocaine shame of care home manager

A care home manager caught with cocaine has been let off with a warning and is back at work.

Gavin Williams faced being struck off after being caught in possession of the class A drug.

But regulatory body the Scottish Social Services Council dished out just a slap on the wrist, despite acknowledging by abusing cocaine he “demonstrated a disregard for his own safety and those around him.”

When the Sunday Post tracked Williams down to Graceland Nursing Home in Kilmarnock he apologised for his reckless actions.

He insisted: “All I can say is I really regret what happened. I realise it was a massive mistake.

“I just want to move on and do the best I can at work. I wish it had never happened.”

The misconduct hearing was ordered after Williams was caught with the cocaine while in Glasgow last September.

According to the official documents the SSSC recognised by purchasing the class A he “engaged with and funded an illegal trade which has a negative impact and detrimental effect on the population as a whole.

“This behaviour gives rise to concerns about his core values and respect for the law on drugs, which exists to protect the public.”

Graceland was first opened in 1988 but moved to its current location in October 2000. It currently has a 50 bedroom capacity.

According to the website for the home the family run business: “Endeavours to deliver professional care to the highest standard, which is tailored to meet the individual resident’s medical, social and spiritual needs.

“We also provide residential care within the nursing home environment. And to all resident in our care we appreciate the importance of the personal touch.”

Despite the seriousness of the Williams actions, the SSSC decided a warning should be placed on his registration for 18 months.

They recognised he admitted his guilt at the earliest opportunity and “understood the repercussions his behaviour could have had on his family and his employer”.

Margaret Watt, of Scotland’s Patient Association, insisted care home managers had to be beyond reproach.

She said: “We depend on these people to care for our elderly.

“Staff – particularly managers – should be squeaky clean. It’s that important a job.

“But you also need to ask whether taking serious drugs like cocaine recreationally impinges on your ability to look after the most vulnerable members of society.”