British Ebola nurse appears on misconduct charge over whether symptoms were concealed

Pauline Cafferkey, who contracted Ebola, has been summoned for a hearing by the nursing regulator

Nurse Pauline Cafferkey contracted the disease after volunteering with Save the Children in Sierra Leone (PA)

The British nurse who risked her life treating Ebola victims and came close to death when she contracted the disease herself has been summoned for a hearing by the nursing regulator over whether her symptoms were concealed when she arrived back in the UK.

Pauline Cafferkey volunteered with Save the Children to travel to a treatment centre in Sierra Leone at the height of the Ebola outbreak.

But within hours of her return to the UK in December, she complained of Ebola symptoms and was confirmed to have the disease. She fell critically ill and spent three weeks at a specialist unit at the Royal Free Hospital.

However, after leaving hospital she was told she was under investigation by the General Medical Council and Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The NMC was handed information by Public Health England, which was concerned that procedures designed to prevent the disease from being introduced into the UK had not been complied with. Two other nurses and two doctors are also understood to be the subject of the inquiry.

Investigators are understood to be considering suggestions that Ms Cafferkey’s symptoms were obscured when she returned to Britain. She reported feeling unwell when she landed in London, but after tests she was allowed to continue to Glasgow.

Ms Cafferkey attended a preliminary hearing yesterday at the NMC’s offices in Edinburgh. At worst, the regulator has the power to strike her off. While the investigation continues, it could impose restrictions on her ability to practise. The hearing was held in private at Ms Cafferkey’s request.

The panel chairwoman, Gillian Fleming, said to Ms Cafferkey: “There is a media interest and other bodies have an interest. The case is being considered on the grounds of misconduct. We have to balance your rights with the public interest. The document indicates you are vulnerable. The panel acknowledges it is difficult to separate health and alleged misconduct. Your interests outweigh those of the public.”

A spokeswoman for Save the Children said last night the charity was “extremely grateful” to her and other volunteers and denied suggestions it had deserted her. “There’s a difference between not making statements to the media and not supporting her,” she said.