AN evil nurse who killed an elderly care home resident with a strong sedative hidden in a cup of chocolate was struck off yesterday.
Alison Firth was found guilty of having "no concern for the welfare - or indeed the lives - of vulnerable patients" by a conduct committee.
Anne Kelly, chairman of the UK Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting committee, said at the hearing in London that the 36-year-old had committed "the most serious breach of public confidence and trust imaginable".
Firth, from Newcastle, was ordered to be struck off the nursing register by the committee.
Last June, she was convicted at Newcastle Crown Court of murdering 84-year-old Alice Grant, at the Aidan House Nursing and Residential Home, in Gateshead.
She was jailed for life for murder and for perverting the course of justice.
Detective Sergeant Michael Donley told yesterday's hearing that police had a phone call in May 2000 from a care worker at the home, who was concerned about circumstances surrounding Mrs Grant's death.
Firth admitted administering a sedative which had been prescribed for another patient.
During the trial, John Milford QC, prosecuting, said Firth was lazy, and killed her patient because she could not be bothered to look after her.
Firth did not exercise her right to be brought from prison to the hearing.
