'To protect the public and ensure justice is done': an examination of the Philip Donnelly case.

This paper constitutes a discussion of a case of sexual abuse of children by a nurse brought before the UKCC Professional Conduct Committee. Judgement was first deferred, and later the nurse was allowed to remain on the register and to practise as a nurse. The case is considered with reference to guidance from the UKCC in various documents. The case for removal from the register is first established, drawing on the UKCC Code of Professional Conduct and the UKCC document '... With a View to Removal From the Register...'?, and found to be more than adequate. The case for leniency is then considered with further reference to UKCC policy, but is rejected. It is concluded that, on this occasion, the Professional Conduct Committee's findings were erroneous and indefensible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]