Nurse accused of taking thousands of tablets from NHS Fife sites

A nurse is to face a hearing over allegations of taking nearly 3,000 tramadol tablets from her workplace.

Emma Macdonald Freeborn is scheduled to appear before the Nursing and Midwifery Council in a hearing due to end today to consider her fitness to practise.

The allegations against her state that while working as a registered nurse for NHS Fife between 2000 and 2013 she took up to 2,760 tramadol tablets without authorisation from her employer.

The place the alleged offences took place is given as both Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy.

The charge adds that her conduct was dishonest in that she knew she was not entitled to take the strong painkilling drugs.

In light of this, the council will consider if her fitness to practise has been impaired by her alleged misconduct.

Tramadol is a narcotic-like pain reliever used to help people suffering from moderate to severe pain.

It works by affecting chemicals in the brain and nervous system which are involved in the sensation of pain.