A CARER turned up to work drunk while looking after vulnerable adults.

Elizabeth Mccusker worked with disabled adults and those with support needs as a care home and housing support worker.

It was while she was carrying out her duties during her employment with Motherwell's Potential Living when the incident occurred.

She arrived to support the individual, known only as AA, on October 27, 2022 under the influence of alcohol.

The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) said it was an isolated incident but it was concerned there was a risk it could be repeated which could lead to a "real risk of physical and emotional harm" for patients.

A report said: "Social service workers should not put themselves or other people at unnecessary risk of harm.

"You attended work under the influence of alcohol, and you were not fit to carry out your duties safely. Alcohol can impair your judgement and decision-making ability. Your behaviour placed service user AA at risk of harm.

"This behaviour falls below the acceptable standard of care expected of a social service worker and would amount to misconduct."

It added: "This is an isolated incident and therefore there have been no previous concerns regarding your professional practice.

"You have not cooperated with the SSSC investigation and we have been unable to assess your insight.

"There are no other reasonable assurances that the behaviour will not be repeated. Therefore, the SSSC has concluded that there is a risk of similar behaviour being repeated."

The report continued there was a "public interest" in maintaining trust in care staff.

It said: "There is public interest in maintaining trust and confidence in the register and upholding proper standards of behaviour in the profession.

"You have placed a service user at risk of harm by attending work under the influence of alcohol.

"A fully informed member of the public would expect a finding of impairment to be made in this case, given the factors as outlined above."

The regulating body determined, as it was the first incident on Mccusker's record, a warning would be the most appropriate sanction.

Mccusker had a warning placed on her registration for 12 months.