Pubdate: Mon,  5 Jun 2000
Source: Daily Record and Sunday Mail (UK)
Copyright: 2000 Daily Record and Sunday Mail Ltd.
Contact:  Anderston Quay, Glasgow, Scotland, G3 8DA
Website: http://www.record-mail.co.uk/rm/

HEALTH WORKER HID DRUG RECORD

A health worker has been suspended at a strife-torn Scots hospital
after the shock discovery that he had a string of drug
convictions.

Stephen Forrest worked closely with recovering drug addicts and
mentally-ill patients.

Now health insiders are demanding an inquiry into how he was able to
work at Renfrewshire's Dykebar Hospital, despite a string of drug offences.

Tattooed senior nursing assistant Forrest, 34, worked closely with
patients as they tried to rehabilitate back into the community.

Now Forrest, of Wender Way, Paisley, has been suspended on full
pay.

It follows a series of scandals and violent incidents.

Last night, hospital insiders said: "It is beyond belief that this man
was allowed to work with extremely vulnerable patients for so many
years.

"It is unbelievable that management did not check his background. This
must give patients and their families great cause for concern."

Forrest said: "I've spoken to management. They told me they are
sorting it out. I am giving them a statement and waiting to hear the
outcome."

Forrest's cannabis convictions go back years and include a knife
offence and driving convictions.

The hospital source said: "Many of his patients actually ended up in
Dykebar Hospital because of drug problems."

The hospital is still reeling from a damning Scottish Health Advisory
Service report.

In February, nursing assistant Andrew McMonagle was dismissed after he
concealed a string of convictions.

In March, a patient ran amok with a meat cleaver.

Just days ago, an ex-patient stabbed a nurse in the leg and broke
another's nose.

A spokesman for Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Primary Care NHS Trust
said: "The trust is staffed by educated professionals who provide the
highest level of patient care."
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