An Ipswich Hospital nurse is to be struck off the register for stealing morphine and failing to turn up to a string of misconduct hearings.

Susan Henshall was suspended from her position for a total of 12 months after taking an Oramorph bottle from the trust’s store and attempting to hide the theft from her colleagues.

She has now been struck off by a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) panel after failing to turn up to several misconduct hearings held to investigate the charges against her.

The order, which will come into effect on April 27, means it is unlikely she will be able to practice again.

All four charges against Miss Henshall, which accused her of removing a 300ml bottle of Oramorph from the trust without permission on July 28, 2014, were found proved by the NMC panel at a hearing earlier this month.

Panel members found Miss Henshall attempted to conceal the fact she stole the medicine by hiding the bottle in her pocket.

When questioned about the theft, she tried to prevent her employers from discovering the bottle in her possession.

Despite the panel asking her to provide a reflective piece on the effect and impact of her actions on her colleagues and the nursing profession, she failed to do so.

No testimonials were received from Miss Henshall’s employers, no evidence of up-to-date training was received and she did not engage with any NMC proceedings.

Reaching their conclusion to strike Miss Henshall off the register, panel members Jennifer Laing, Mary Hattie and Miranda Winram said: “In light of the seriousness of the failings and the likelihood of repetition, the panel considered that this sanction would be inappropriate as it would not restrict Miss Henshall’s practice and would therefore not protect the public from the risk of harm.

“It would also not serve the public interest in declaring and upholding professional standards and maintaining public confidence in the profession.”