A senior nurse employed by the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust has been removed from the professional register following findings of bullying and professional misconduct. Elaine Sullivan, who worked as a therapist within the perinatal and infant mental health team, was struck off the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register after a tribunal concluded that her behaviour created a toxic and hostile work environment.

The disciplinary hearing examined complaints made by 13 colleagues over a ten-month period, all alleging that Sullivan engaged in intimidating and demeaning conduct. Among the reported incidents were instances in which Sullivan told staff to “turn their volume down” and remarked that they had “no capacity to speak” to her. On one occasion, she reportedly told a colleague that she could “destroy” them at any point. The tribunal found that her actions contributed to a workplace atmosphere marked by mistrust, fear, and ongoing interpersonal tension.

In addition to bullying, Sullivan was found to have acted dishonestly in the preparation of a court report in 2019. The report falsely stated that she was the “clinical lead” of the parent infant mental health attachment team, a claim that was contradicted by the trust. This misrepresentation was linked to a legal decision resulting in the removal of a child from their mother, based on Sullivan’s recommendation. The panel also determined that she had exceeded her professional competence when she incorrectly diagnosed a patient with dissociative identity disorder.

The complaint was initially raised in August 2020 by the deputy director of the trust, prompting a referral to the NMC. At the tribunal, Sullivan admitted to all the allegations, including breaches of confidentiality involving colleagues. She expressed particular regret over this breach but was unable to explain her motivations.

Fiona Abbott, chair of the disciplinary panel, highlighted the severity of Sullivan’s conduct, stating that it severely damaged trust and morale within the team. The panel ultimately ruled that Sullivan’s behaviour constituted bullying and serious professional misconduct, leading to the decision to strike her name from the nursing register.