Seana Mary Kerr, a midwife from Newry, Northern Ireland, has been struck off the nursing register for making false claims about vaccinations harming unborn babies on social media.

In September 2020, Kerr publicly stated that vaccinations harmed unborn babies, and in March 2021, she accused healthcare professionals of complicity in a harmful response to Covid-19.

Her December 2021 social media posts referenced conspiracy theories about Covid-19, further undermining public trust in healthcare professionals.

The panel emphasized the critical importance of maintaining public trust in healthcare professionals, especially during the pandemic.

Kerr's unsolicited advice to a pregnant woman in a shop was deemed inappropriate as it occurred outside a clinical context, violating professional boundaries.

The tribunal highlighted that healthcare professionals are expected to provide clinical advice only in suitable settings.

Despite a prior 12-month suspension, Kerr showed no remorse or insight into her misconduct and had not engaged with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) since June 2022.

The tribunal found that Kerr's statements significantly undermined public confidence in the midwifery profession during a critical period.

Having been a registered midwife since 2007, her actions were deemed to have placed a pregnant woman at significant risk of harm.

The panel's findings indicated that Kerr's actions violated expectations for professional conduct, particularly in public environments.

Ultimately, her name was officially removed from the register following the tribunal's decision.

The NMC panel reiterated that clinical advice should only be given in private settings, not in public spaces like shops.