Nurse Struck Off After Stealing £750,000 from 99-Year-Old Resident
Rebecca Louise Burwood exploited a vulnerable woman at a care home, using funds for personal expenses including cosmetic surgery and home improvements.
A registered nurse has been struck off the nursing register after stealing approximately £750,000 from a 99-year-old resident under her care. Rebecca Louise Burwood, who was the deputy manager at Bryn Yr Haul Care Home in Mold, Flintshire, exploited the vulnerable woman for her own financial gain between 2017 and 2023.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) found Burwood's fitness to practice was impaired due to misconduct, leading to her removal from the register. The panel determined that Burwood engaged in a "sustained, calculated course of conduct" and manipulated the resident, who was dependent on her for social contact, into transferring ownership of her home and withdrawing substantial sums from her bank accounts.
During the NMC hearing, it was revealed that Burwood had become the resident's lasting power of attorney while simultaneously overseeing her care. Over a five-year period, more than £370,000 was withdrawn from the resident's account, with a significant portion of this taken through large cash withdrawals at ATMs. Burwood also facilitated the transfer of ownership of the woman's £400,000 house to herself. Funds were used for home improvements, utility bills, council tax, and the purchase of a car and a campervan, which Burwood claimed were for joint outings.
Allegations that Burwood used some of the stolen funds for personal cosmetic surgery were also presented. She claimed that home improvements were made so the elderly woman could live with her in the event of a future COVID-19 outbreak, but evidence indicated these improvements were undertaken before any UK lockdown.
Burwood contended that the resident had requested cash withdrawals for weekly charitable donations, ranging from £250 to £500, to charities supporting the blind or those with heart issues. Her legal representative stated the resident did not want the government to inherit her money upon her death and that Burwood did not keep records of donations.
The resident's bank flagged concerns about the spending, leading to an investigation by North Wales Police. Bank staff reported that Burwood appeared to be pressuring the resident to have her accounts unfrozen, stating that outings would cease if access to the money was restricted. The resident later expressed shock upon learning the extent of the money spent from her account. Another nurse reported overhearing Burwood tell the resident, "I will give you the money back" and "sign here," which was interpreted as evidence of financial abuse.
While the resident did not wish to pursue further legal action, considering Burwood a friend and believing she had learned from her mistakes, the NMC panel concluded that Burwood had acted dishonestly and abused a position of trust. The panel described her actions as "deplorable" and noted that her conduct fell far below the standards expected of a registered nurse, potentially undermining public confidence in the profession.
Burwood expressed deep regret, explaining her actions by stating she saw the resident as her "nanna." The victim, who had been left with insufficient funds to cover her care costs long-term, has since passed away. Bryn Yr Haul Care Home stated they are saddened by the incident and have since reviewed management and safeguarding policies.