A Norfolk nurse has been suspended after admitting stealing drugs from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Marcia Blaseby, who worked at the Norfolk hospital, resigned prior to the decision of a disciplinary hearing in January after being accused of taking packets of a drug called lorazepam from the Colney site.

A hearing at the Nursing and Midwifery Council on February 25 imposed an 18 month interim suspension order on the registered nurse whilst an investigation is held into the incident.

At the disciplinary hearing at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital it was alleged that on June 22 Mrs Blaseby obtained a packet of lorazepam tablets from Mulbarton ward by claiming they were for a patient in the Weybourne Day Unit. Between March and June she was also accused of stealing between two or three boxes of the drug, used for its sedative, anxiety-relieving and muscle-relaxing effects. At the disciplinary hearing Mrs Blaseby admitted that she had taken the lorazepam tablets.

Mrs Blaseby, who did not attend the hearing at the Nursing and Midwifery Council, will not be able to work as a nurse following the suspension order whilst a committee investigates the case.

Panel members at the interim order hearing were told that Mrs Blaseby was under financial pressure, but deemed that the allegations of dishonestly and breach of trust were serious enough to merit an 18 month interim suspension.

The hearing was held behind closed doors to keep details of her health private.