A BUNGLING Basildon and Thurrock Hospital nurse has been struck off.

Ugandan Isaac Sebowa, 32, stuck a tube into a critically-ill patient's arm, a procedure he was not qualified to carry out.

Six months earlier, he had given a patient blood-thinning medication, instead of a painkiller, the Nursing and Midwifery Council was told.

Panel chairman Rachel O'Connell said: "We have concluded Mr Sebowa's conduct was incompatible with being a nurse.

"His actions demonstrated a serious departure from the relevant standards as set out in our code of conduct. He represents a continuing risk to patients.

"In all the circumstances we are satisfied the striking-off order is necessary and proportionate."

Sebowa's manager, Sister Dawn Sullivan told the panel he had confessed to her he had confused two patients and given the wrong medication - Warfarin, a blood-thinning medication, instead of a painkiller.

The patient's daughter - also a nurse - was upset when she realised what had happened and told Sebowa it was the wrong medicine.

Mrs Sullivan said: "The patient didn't even have a wristband on. You should never give to someone medication, who is not wearing one."

Since being employed by Basildon Hospital, Sebowa had twice failed an intravenous pack training course and was not allowed to carry out certain procedures.

Sebowa scored so badly on the test, hospital managers refused to let him retake it.

Despite this, in May 2005, Sebowa inserted a cannula into a patient's arm.

The patient was suffering from septic shock and needed intravenous medication, but his vein kept collapsing when a doctor tried to get a needle in.

Sebowa took over, but was reported to Sister Sullivan by another member of staff.

The hearing was told Mr Sebowa later asked the doctor not to report him for the mistake.

Sebowa, from Barking, was not present at the hearing.

He was found guilty of misconduct for administering the wrong medication and carrying out unauthorised procedures.