Omolaja Balogun should have known better after managing a ward for nine years
A nurse has been struck off for beating patients at two different mental health clinics – one in North London and the other in Hertfordshire. Omolaja Balogun worked as a ward manager for nine years at The Priory Enfield (not The Priory in Southgate favoured by celebrities like Amy Winehouse and General Pinochet) but was sacked in 2021 over allegations he punched a patient in the face.
After returning to work at the Potters Bar Clinic, another specialist mental health centre, Balogun attacked another patient by slapping them in the face, causing a nose bleed. The nurse was suspended and reported to police, but the force took no further action. Now a tribunal has concluded Balogun is unfit to practice due to his seniority and because ‘he instigated the violence’.
The tribunal heard on September 9, 2021, Balogun was confronted by Patient A who annoyed him by swearing and insulting his mum When Patient A made multiple attempts to close Balogun’s office door, he reacted by raising his hand to Patient A, grabbing his leg during an attempted kick, then forcing him against the wall. CCTV later showed Balogun throwing the first punch, the panel wrote.
The second incident occurred at the other clinic, when Patient B, suffering from personality disorder and severe stress, became physically and verbally aggressive to Balogun, slapping him as he held one hand in place in the corridor. Balogun should have de-escalated by walking away, as per his training, but slapped Patient B in retaliation, injuring his face, the tribunal heard.
Concluding Balogun was impaired, the panel wrote: “Patients were put at risk and were caused physical and emotional harm as a result of your misconduct. In particular, Patient A received first aid after your altercation, although there appeared to be no physical harm caused, and Patient B suffered a nosebleed stemming from your altercation.
“The panel bore in mind that both patients were vulnerable and had complex care needs and therefore would have suffered emotional harm as a result of your misconduct. Your misconduct had breached the fundamental tenets of the nursing profession and therefore brought its reputation into disrepute.”
The panel concluded a striking off order was the only punishment appropriate for the offences.
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