An Ayrshire carer has been found to have accepted £50 from the son of a service user to buy cannabis for him. Eleanor Riddex, who worked as a care at home assistant for North Ayrshire Council, took the money via a bank transfer on or around May 28, 2024. The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) ruled that Riddex’s actions constituted misconduct and impaired her fitness to practise. A warning has been placed on her registration for a period of 12 months.
The SSSC expressed concerns about professional boundaries being crossed and the potential risk of harm to the service user, referred to as ‘BB’, and their family. Despite acknowledging Riddex’s cooperation during the investigation and her admission of the behaviour, the regulator highlighted the seriousness of accepting money to purchase illegal substances while working in social care. Riddex raised concerns about the son, ‘AA’, before the incident, citing fear and anxiety about his conduct.
While the SSSC did not identify a current risk to public protection based on Riddex’s response and the isolated nature of the incident, they emphasized the need to address public interest concerns arising from the case. Riddex’s warning came into effect on December 25 last year, and she is no longer employed by North Ayrshire Council. The Health and Social Care Partnership declined to comment on individual matters but confirmed her departure from the council.
In summary, the case of the Ayrshire carer highlights the importance of maintaining professional boundaries in social care settings. The SSSC’s decision to issue a warning serves as a reminder of the expectations placed on care professionals and the consequences of breaching ethical standards, even in isolated incidents. Public interest and the well-being of vulnerable individuals must always remain at the forefront of care practices.