DAVID HARLAND STRUCK OFF IN STANMORE AFTER SEXUAL ABUSE CONVICTION

In a significant disciplinary action, David Harland, a male nurse based in Stanmore, has been formally removed from the professional register maintained by the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (UKCC).

This decision follows Harland's conviction in June of the previous year at St Albans Magistrates Court, where he was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault involving a 12-year-old boy who has not been publicly identified. The court sentenced Harland to a three-year probation order and mandated his participation in a sex offenders' rehabilitation scheme.

At the time of the offenses, which were unrelated to his professional duties, Harland was employed at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Trust located in Brockley Hill, Stanmore. The hospital authorities promptly reported the incident to the UKCC once they became aware of the charges, reflecting their commitment to maintaining professional standards and safeguarding patient trust.

Liz McAnulty, the Director of Professional Conduct at the UKCC, emphasized the organization's stance, stating, “We make no apologies whatsoever for taking a firm line with Mr Harland and any other nurse who abuses children.”

Following the case's emergence, an interim suspension was placed on Harland’s registration, effectively preventing him from practicing as a nurse during the investigation period. This suspension remained in effect until last week, when the UKCC’s Professional Conduct Committee officially removed his name from the register. This removal signifies that Harland is now legally barred from working as a registered nurse anywhere within the United Kingdom, underscoring the severity with which the professional body responded to his criminal conduct.