Ms Percy McCarthy – Registered Nurse – Cancellation for professional misconduct and unsatisfactory professional conduct

14 February 2022

The Health Care Complaints Commission prosecuted a complaint against Ms Percy McCarthy, a registered nurse, before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. It was alleged that whilst employed as a registered nurse at the Hospital for Specialist Surgery, Bella Vista, Ms McCarthy:

1. Obtained two personal banking cards belonging to Patient A without her authority or consent. 
2. Forcibly obtained the PIN to one of the personal banking cards by repeatedly asking and holding down the arms of Patient A.  
3. Was dishonest when voluntarily participating in an interview with NSW Police and during cross-examination in criminal court proceedings.
4. Was convicted of two criminal offences relating to this conduct in June 2019.
5. Failed to notify the National Board within 7 days that she had been charged and convicted of the criminal offences.

In its December 2021 decision, the Tribunal found the complaint proven and that Ms McCarthy was guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct and professional misconduct.

On 11 February 2022, the Tribunal determined protective orders at a further (Stage 2) hearing.  The Tribunal ordered that the respondent’s registration be cancelled with a non-review period of 4 years and the respondent be prohibited from providing any health services during this period.  

The full decision can be found on NSW Caselaw.

Further information

For further information, contact the Executive Officer of the Health Care Complaints Commission, on 02 9219 7444 or send an email to media@hccc.nsw.gov.au.

The information in this media release is correct at the time of publication. Orders may change; for example, conditions may no longer apply.  For current information regarding the status of a registered health practitioner, including any conditions that currently apply, please check the National Register at www.ahpra.gov.au.