A NURSE who left a frail 76-year-old patient suspended in a hoist at Maidstone Hospital has been found guilty of professional misconduct. Mark Trimmings, 33, from Folkestone, was issued with a formal caution by the Professional Conduct Committee of nursing's regulatory body, following a hearing in London.

The committee heard how, in October 1999, when he was a newly-qualified staff nurse on the Whatman ward, Mr Trimmings left the elderly man on his own dangling from the hoist which is generally used to lift patients into and out of beds and baths. Although the patient was only alone for a matter of minutes, he was unable to summon any assistance and soiled himself.

Mr Trimmings also failed to call for appropriate nursing or medical assistance when, shortly afterwards, the same patient became very unwell in a shower room.

Mr Trimmings was sacked by Maidstone Hospital in February 2000 as a result of this incident and other concerns about his progress in training.

Hospital spokeswoman Collette Glasson said: "The Trust took, and takes, a strong view where staff fail to fulfil their professional responsibilities as in this case. We are satisfied that the UKCC has supported the Trust's views and concerns."

The United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting has issued a formal caution against the nursing register entry of Mr Trimmings, who admitted professional misconduct. It stopped short of having him struck off.

The caution will remain on his record and is automatically disclosed to all employers of nurses and to any member of the public who wishes to check his registered status.

UKCC Director of Professional Conduct, Liz McAnulty, said: "Patients are entitled to expect that registered nurses who care for them will put their interests and safety first at all times. Mr Trimmings failed to meet the required standards on this occasion."