A nurse at a care home in Cricklewood who was caught sleeping instead of looking after patients during a night shift has been struck off.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Magnolia Care Home is in Cricklewood (Pic: Google)Magnolia Care Home is in Cricklewood (Pic: Google) (Image: Archant)

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) heard Anita Tayeh propped her feet up on a chair, placed a cushion behind her head and covered herself with a blanket while clutching a cup of tea and a crossword puzzle.

She also allowed two care assistants to go to sleep and wedged the fire doors open, placing the 54 elderly and vulnerable residents at risk of serious harm or death.

Tayeh was rumbled after a tip-off led to a surprise inspection at the Magnolia Court Care Home in Granville Road, in the early hours of December 2, 2009.

Annie Lampard, the then-manger of the home, said: “When she did wake up, she looked shocked to see me there.”

In 2012 Tayeh was given a conditions of practice order for three years by the NMC after she failed to carry out adequate observations on an elderly woman who suffered a nasty fall in her room.

But following a review hearing this month she will now have her name struck off the medical register.

David Kyle, chair of the NMC review panel, said: “In reaching its decision, the panel was mindful of the need to protect the public, maintain public confidence in the profession, and the need to declare and uphold proper standards of conduct and performance.

“As such, the panel concluded that Tayeh has not taken steps to address the concerns identified in her practice, nor has she remediated her misconduct.”

Tayeh, who was not present or represented at the review hearing, will now have her name struck off the medical register.