Lindsey Coyle issues Ontario’s nursing permit in misconduct, years after guilty plea at the death of the patient

Lindsey Coyle, a former registered practical nurse at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, has agreed to surrender her nursing permit during a disciplinary hearing held by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). This decision comes three years after she pleaded guilty to criminal negligence in the death of a 76-year-old patient named Hermina Fletcher in 2015.

During the virtual hearing, Coyle, now 40 years old, appeared solemn and expressed remorse for her actions. She admitted to professional misconduct, including abusing a patient, forging records, and engaging in behavior deemed unprofessional by her peers. Coyle acknowledged the consequences of her actions and expressed regret for the harm she caused.

In 2015, Coyle manipulated Fletcher’s medication records, increasing her morphine dose and taking the excess medication for herself. When the night nurse administered the elevated dose as per Coyle’s instructions, Fletcher suffered a fatal overdose. This tragic incident led to criminal charges against Coyle, culminating in her guilty plea and subsequent imprisonment.

Coyle has also been ordered to pay $130,000 in compensation to Fletcher’s family as part of a civil suit. Court documents revealed that Coyle’s drug theft was fueled by addiction, leading her to prioritize her own substance abuse over the well-being of her patients.

Despite her past struggles, Coyle has shown dedication to her recovery and sobriety. She has successfully completed a period of day parole and is committed to rebuilding her life. In a statement to the CNO panel, Coyle expressed her sincere apologies to the nursing community and her colleagues for the shame she brought upon them.

By voluntarily surrendering her nursing permit and agreeing never to practice nursing again, Coyle has taken responsibility for her actions and accepted the consequences. This decision ensures that she will not be able to reapply for a nursing license in Ontario or any other jurisdiction in the future.

The CNO panel commended Coyle for her willingness to acknowledge her mistakes and work towards redemption. While her past actions have had serious consequences, Coyle’s commitment to personal growth and accountability serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and ethical conduct in the nursing profession. the perspective of a rescue dog

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