Havens Hospice nurse to keep job despite Facebook tirade

4:00pm Thursday 15th November 2012 in News By David Trayner

Nurse apologises for offensive Facebook comments Nurse apologises for offensive Facebook comments

A HOSPICE nurse who made inappropriate comments on Facebook has kept her job after apologising.

Nicki Smith has apologised for insulting a fellow user and saying he would be unwelcome at Fair Havens Hospice, where she works as a nursing assistant, after criticising the charity’s plans for a new £15 million facility on green belt land.

In a statement released after a three-week hospice investigation into the comments, Ms Smith said: "I deeply regret the comments I put on Facebook.

“I made them in the heat of the moment and they certainly do not reflect the views of the hospice.

“I am very sorry to everyone for the offence they caused.”

The charity, which launched the probe after a friend of Mr Jones reported the comments to the Echo, refused to reveal whether Ms Smith faces disciplinary action to protect employee confidentiality, but said she has kept her job.

Ms Smith attacked Barry Jones on the social networking site for criticising the charity’s announcement that it would appeal Southend Council’s decision to throw out its plans for a new hospice on land off Belton Way West, Leigh.

In a tirade, which kicked off with a four-letter insult, Ms Smith vowed to remember Mr Jones’s comments if his name “ever comes up on the referral board and there’s only one bed left”.

She also told him he “won’t be welcome” if Havens does manage to build its new hospice, on the Leigh site or elsewhere.

Former colleague Lisa Baker, of Canvey, jumped to her friend’s defence, saying Ms Smith was one of the best carers she had ever met.

A hospice spokeswoman said: "This was a very regrettable incident. The matter has been fully investigated and appropriate action taken.

“Nicki Smith is not involved in decisions about admissions to the hospice. These are considered by a multi-disciplinary team of senior healthcare professionals and are always decided on the basis of a person's clinical needs."

Comments(12)

Eric Whim says...
4:05pm Thu 15 Nov 12

what a great addition to culture, love peace and understanding is this piece of excrement called facebook

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reptile says...
4:13pm Thu 15 Nov 12

Think long and hard before you press the send button.

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Test Tickle says...
4:47pm Thu 15 Nov 12

I'm more concerned that in a Country that prides itself on freedom of speech and freedom of expression one can face the possibility of punishment for making a comment!

Freedom of speech is hanging by a thread and soon the only things we will be free to say is yes Sir and no Sir.

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sosad 1 says...
5:04pm Thu 15 Nov 12

she sounds like agood caring person she should not have put her thoughts on the"the devils sperm" facebook for once i agree with reptile

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jolllyboy says...
5:23pm Thu 15 Nov 12

Not a caring comment though was it.

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Connie Lingers says...
5:34pm Thu 15 Nov 12

It seems as though we may have to consider many of the freedoms we have enjoyed since the 60s (when liberalisation of our lifestyles started to bloom) a thing of the past.

The thought police are here and it looks as though they do not intend to leave any time soon.

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tintong says...
6:36pm Thu 15 Nov 12

The silly comments she made didnt warrant losing her job over so its good her job is safe.
Next time she disagrees with someone's views be more adult in the way you put your point across.

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LeighLocal1 says...
8:38pm Thu 15 Nov 12

If someone is fighting to block the building of a new facility it's only right that he wouldn't be welcome there if it does get built. Ms Smith was right to say so. It seems you cant say anything these days , whatever happened to freedom of speech??...... Sorry hope I haven't upset anyone.. I might have to apologize for my valid point of view

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LeighLocal1 says...
8:39pm Thu 15 Nov 12

If someone is fighting to block the building of a new facility it's only right that he wouldn't be welcome there if it does get built. Ms Smith was right to say so. It seems you cant say anything these days , whatever happened to freedom of speech??...... Sorry hope I haven't upset anyone.. I might have to apologize for my valid point of view

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andy:) says...
11:37pm Thu 15 Nov 12

Test Tickle wrote:
I'm more concerned that in a Country that prides itself on freedom of speech and freedom of expression one can face the possibility of punishment for making a comment!

Freedom of speech is hanging by a thread and soon the only things we will be free to say is yes Sir and no Sir.
She is free to say what she wants ..BUT must be aware there could be consequences. You wouldnt go to the pub and insult people without expecting some comeback would you ?

Andy

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BIRLIS says...
7:37am Fri 16 Nov 12

I tend to agree with her point of view. I guess the question this report doesn't seem to make clear is was she Facebooking as herself or her employer, aand was it in private tome or work time? That certainly makes a difference in my opinion.

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Horace Wimpole says...
9:17am Fri 16 Nov 12

Freedom of speech is not some all-encompassing “right”, it’s a privilege which comes with responsibilities.

In any case, this sorry episode had nothing to do with freedom of speech and everything to do with an individual being needlessly insulting on a public site, whilst posting as a representative of her employer.

I don’t think any reasonable soul would have wanted Ms. Smith fired over this though, have wanted anyone fired over this, so I’m glad Havens did the right thing.

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