A NURSE who put Glasgow patients at risk of a ‘highly contagious’ infection and did not have good enough English to practise safely has been suspended.

Marielou Bulaong was responsible for a catalogue of medical errors while working at a stroke unit at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and resigned before disciplinary action was taken.

In one of the most serious incidents, she went into the room of a ‘highly contagious’ patient without wearing appropriate protective equipment, putting other patients at risk.

The charge, found proved, does not state what illness the patient was suffering from.

In another incident, at the Langland’s Unit, Ms Bulaong inserted a drip onto a patient ‘upside down’ and also attempted to re-use a syringe to administer medication, putting the patient at risk of cross-contamination.

An inquiry by the Nursing and Midwifery Council found that intitial concerns were raised about her English skills. She completed a written course but it was not assessed.

The NMC said: “Mrs Bulaong’s inability to communicate effectively was particularly concerning when considering that she was working within a stroke rehabilitation unit, within which being able to communicate effectively is paramount. Shortly after, reports about ‘poor practice' came to light.

Most of the charges, which were found proved, related to Ms Bulaong lacking the required knowledge and skills to carry out 'fundamental' nursing tasks.

The inquiry found she was dismissive of concerns about her skills and had put elderly patients at an ‘unwarranted’ risk of harm.

She failed to wash her hands and also provided ‘intimate care’ to one or more patients without wearing appropriate protective equipment.

The incidents happened between May 2015 and March 2016, while the nurse was working at the Langlands Unit.

Mr Bulaong was not present for a disciplinary hearing by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

She was given a 12-month ban, which will follow the 18-month interim suspension, if an appeal is not lodged.

A spokeswoman for NHSGGC said: “This individual is no longer in our employ.”