A LEARNING disability nurse accused of failing to properly care for patients may have his disciplinary case adjourned for the third time.

Kenneth Hilton, 47, of Ramsbottom, has applied for the adjournment before the Nursing and Midwifery Council's (NMC) professional conduct committee on the grounds of ill-health.

He was due to appear at NMC's headquarters in Central London yesterday with colleagues Vincent Michael MacNeil, 44, of Blantyre, Glasgow, and David Coppock, 55, of Douglas, Isle of Man, facing allegations of failing to ensure the well-being of patients, including hygiene and clothing care in the summer of 1999 at the Ballamona Hospital on the Isle of Man.

Hilton faces two further allegations, one of verbally abusing a patient by inappropriately talking about the patient to another person and making a patient make a bed which was soiled with excrement.

Coppock faces four other allegations; verbal abuse, making a client sit on a broken chair, making a patient make a bed soiled with excrement and failing to safeguard the well-being of a patient.

But none of the three nurses had appeared nor are they represented at the hearing which, if not adjourned, is due to continue tomorrow until September 17 in the Isle of Man.

David Glendinning, for the NMC, explained: "The Isle of Man has a separate legal jurisdiction -- the law is different to the UK.

"Therefore any conduct committee hearing must be opened in the UK and then can be continued in any location necessary."

In February this year, the hearing was again adjourned after Mr Hilton said he was unable to get time off work.

Mr Glendinning said Mr Hilton had contacted the NMC by e-mail on September 2 to request an adjournment because his representative was ill.

However, in an earlier phone call he had indicated he could attend the hearing.

Mr Glendinning argued against the adjournment saying that: "With the passage of time memories fade."

The committee have now retired to consider whether to agree to the adjournment or continue in their absence.

(Proceeding)