Overview
- George Eduard Stae admitted he posted ten vomiting emojis in reply to a Pride Facebook post on June 1, 2021, and the NMC panel ruled the comment was prejudicial and discriminatory.
- The panel withdrew separate accusations that he used a racial slur and threatened to kill a doctor after finding the doctor’s hearsay evidence inadmissible.
- The NMC representative had asked for a six-month suspension but the panel decided a suspension would be wholly disproportionate and issued a 12-month caution order recorded on the nursing register.
- At the hearing Mr Stae described himself as a 'keyboard warrior,' expressed remorse for the post, and the panel noted he had already received a 12-month written warning from his employer.
- The ruling underlines how regulators balance professional social media standards, mitigation such as remorse and prior employer action, and evidentiary rules when deciding sanctions for healthcare staff.