Ms Cynthia Cele - Enrolled nurse – Cancellation with two year non review period for unsatisfactory professional conduct and professional misconduct

12 January 2022

The Health Care Complaints Commission prosecuted a complaint against Enrolled Nurse, Ms Cynthia Cele, before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (‘the Tribunal’).

It was alleged that, between 1 June 2018 and 30 November 2020, Ms Cele breached conditions of her registration that had been imposed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of NSW to address shortcomings in her clinical performance. The alleged conduct occurred during two separate employment periods at Arcadia Pittwater Private Hospital and Achieve Australia, Summer Hill House. It was further alleged that Ms Cele provided false statements to these two former employers in relation to the conditions of her registration.

On 24 December 2021, the Tribunal found the complaint proven and that Ms Cele was guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct and professional misconduct.  The Tribunal remarked that “the breaches are extremely significant and that the only conclusion for the conduct of the practitioner is that it constitutes a flagrant disregard for the obligations of the Respondent and a serious risk to the public.”

The Tribunal cancelled Ms Cele’s registration and imposed a two year non-review period.

The full decision can be found here: 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.