KATE SEEKINGS FROM HAVANT BANNED AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SHARING AT QUEEN ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL

In December 2009, a serious case involving a nurse from Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham, who was found to have downloaded and shared images of child abuse, resulted in her being permanently barred from practicing her profession. The investigation revealed that police seized computers from Kate Seekings' residence in Havant, uncovering six images depicting children being subjected to sexual abuse.

During disciplinary proceedings, it was disclosed that the 35-year-old nurse admitted to police that she was 'turned on' by material found on paedophile websites during an interview conducted in August of the previous year. At the time of the offenses, Seekings was employed as a theatre practitioner at Queen Alexandra Hospital, working with both adult and pediatric patients. She acknowledged that her computer contained potentially up to 20 images related to child abuse.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) panel was informed that Seekings had used a chat website between October 11, 2006, and January 29, 2008, to access and distribute images of child sexual abuse. She was involved in sharing these images within an online paedophile community, seeking acceptance and validation from other offenders. It was also revealed that her first receipt of an indecent image might have occurred as early as 2006, prior to her qualifying as a nurse in September 2007.

Claire Atogdina, representing the NMC, explained that if her actions had been known earlier, especially before she received a police caution, she would not have been allowed to register as a nurse. She confirmed that Seekings had used a chat website specifically to access and distribute child abuse images, and that her motivation was linked to her sexual arousal from such material.

Following the police investigation, Seekings was dismissed from her position at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust after her employer was informed of her activities. Her legal representative, Lucy Mackinnon, stated that Seekings' actions occurred during a difficult period in her life, following a breakup with a controlling partner. Mackinnon emphasized that Seekings has expressed deep remorse and regret, acknowledging that there is no justification for her conduct.

In light of the evidence, the NMC issued a striking-off order. Chairwoman Sue Sauter emphasized the gravity of Seekings' misconduct, asserting that allowing her to remain on the register would undermine public confidence in the nursing profession. The case highlights the serious consequences faced by healthcare professionals involved in such criminal activities, especially when they breach the trust placed in them by the public and their employers.