A NURSE at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon, who mistook blood around a patient's mouth for jam, has been suspended for 12 months following a disciplinary hearing.

Denise Joyce Reed, a registered nurse, faces a total of 29 charges from her time at the hospital including being incompetent and dismissive to patients.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council's disciplinary panel decided that suspending Denise Joyce Reed was the only sanction which would be sufficient to protect patients.

It is believed that concerns were first raised about the nurse's competency by co-workers at the hospital as long as four years ago.

She was ordered by GWH to practice under supervision before being dismissed from her position in 2009.

However, following an appeal, she was reinstated in July 2010 just two months after being let go.

Colleagues at GWH told the disciplinary panel in London that Mrs Reed was "dismissive towards the concerns of patients" and "failed to appreciate the seriousness of her failings".

Hilary Walker, chief nurse at the Great Western Hospital, said: "We can confirm that no harm came to any patients as a result of the concerns raised."

The panel concluded: "There remains a real risk of repetition and serious harm to patients if Mrs Reed were to return to practice without restriction."

The panel made an interim suspension order for 18 months to allow for any appeal process.

If Mrs Reed does not lodge an appeal within 28 days, the interim order will lapse and will be replaced by the substantive order.

Mrs Reed's case will be reviewed shortly before the suspension expires.