A north-east midwife who was at the centre of a probe into her care for more than 20 mothers faces being struck off the nursing register next week.
Kirsteen Stewart, of Newmachar, will face a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) conduct and competence committee following an investigation into her work at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital.
Mrs Stewart was suspended by NHS Grampian after colleagues raised concerns about her clinical practice in 2010.
An investigation was launched into her treatment of 22 mothers – and later widened to include allegations dating back as far as 2001.
NHS Grampian brought the concerns to the police, who launched their own probe.
Mrs Stewart did not face any criminal proceedings, but could now be barred from the profession.
She is accused by the NMC of misconduct by allegedly administering an oxytocic drug – one which is similar to oxytocin – to one or more patients between October 4 2007 and March 13 2010.
Oxycotin is a strong, opiate pain killer used to treat moderate to severe pain.
This is said to have “caused or contributed to the fetuses of one or more of the service users experiencing bradycardia”.
Bradycardia – or low foetal heart rate – is when an unborn baby’s heart displays under 110 beats per minute.
Yesterday, an NHS Grampian spokeswoman said: “I can confirm we are aware of the hearing but it would be inappropriate to comment. She is no longer employed by NHS Grampian and has not been since March 2013.”
Mrs Stewart was suspended by the NMC in 2010 after a panel said there would be a “real risk of significant harm” if she was to continue working as a midwife.
Her fitness to practice will be reviewed at a hearing in Edinburgh between December 8-19.