A NURSE at an exclusive Droitwich private hospital who preyed on patients and colleagues, stealing cash earmarked for birthdays and leaving gifts, has been struck off.

Julie Ingram stole a total of £126 from a staff collection tin, and tried to steal from a patient's handbag at Droitwich Spa private hospital, the professional conduct committee of the Nursing and Midwifery Council heard yesterday.

Matron Pat Fryer told the hearing staff at the hospital had become suspicious after cash which was used for staff collections and had been donated by grateful patients was stolen from a tin kept in the ward office.

Police were called in to investigate, and three night staff were questioned in connection with the thefts.

The tin was also taken away to be fingerprinted.

"I was able to establish a pattern where Ingram happened to be on duty at the time of the previous incidents," said PC Alun Jones, of Droitwich police.

"When money was taken from the cash tin in the nurses station, Ingram was on duty."

The married mother of one from Bromsgrove was arrested by police in August 2001, and was cautioned after confessing.

She admitted to the thefts police had evidence on, including an incident where she was caught trying to steal from a patient's handbag.

Ingram, who had worked at the hospital since July 2000, was suspended and later resigned from her post.

She never admitted what she needed the extra money for.

Ingram did not appear before the disciplinary committee, which found she was guilty of three separate charges of stealing totals of £90, £26 and £10 from the staff tin between July 12 and 28 last year, and attempting to steal cash from a patient's handbag between January 30 and February 4 last year.

Striking off Ingram, committee chairwoman Carole Alford said she abused her position.

"You have abused your professional position with patients and colleagues, and abused the privileged access you have with your colleagues," she said.

Michael Scott, director of the 36-bed St Andrew's Road hospital, dubbed it "a very sad case."

"But I am pleased we have cleared it up," he said.