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A former nurse who was suspended by the NHS after being 'rude', 'aggressive' and 'unprofessional' towards patients and colleagues will stand for re-election as a Labour councillor in Leeds.

Sharon Hamilton was removed from her post as an adult nurse at St James's University Hospital in October 2016.

Five separate incidents of misconduct were investigated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council in the time since Hamilton was previously voted in as Labour councillor for Moortown back in 2014.

The incidents spanned over a three-year period leading to her suspension, which was then extended for another year in September 2017.

Hamilton is now vying for the vote of Moortown constituents again in a bid to be re-elected for Labour in the local election, taking place on May 3.

The Labour party says any complaints are taken seriously and are fully investigated

In the NHS hearing held in the absence of the councillor last September, the panel referred to the five charges, including when Hamilton was 'rude and abrupt' towards a patient in 2013.

Another referred to when she was 'aggressive and shouting loudly' to a colleague, and another time speaking to a patient in an 'inappropriate manner', not respecting patient dignity.

The panel determined that one incident lead to a patient being placed at a real risk of physical harm because they refused to undergo a medical procedure due to Hamilton's behaviour. It was also stated that Hamilton caused emotional distress to patients.

Hamilton had been issued a written warning in January 2014, but then repeated inappropriate behaviour towards a patient in her care later that year.

'It would seem I have offended then and for that I have paid the price'

In August 2016, the councillor apologised for her behaviour, stating that: "In hindsight, I should have made more of an effort to share with them the level of stress and anxiety that I was coping with at the time.

"I would like you to note that at no time did I set out to offend any patients in my care or my work colleagues.

"However, it would seem that I have offended them and for that I have paid the price."

In extending Hamilton's suspension last year, the Nursing and Midwifery Panel 'considered that Mrs Hamilton has reflected largely on herself, but has not adequately reflected on the impact of their actions on the public and nursing profession - therefore demonstrating limited insight into her actions'.

It went on to conclude that 'in the absence of any evidence of remediation or further insight into Mrs Hamilton’s failings, a finding of impairment is necessary as there remains a real risk of harm to patients'.

A spokesperson for the Labour Party said: "Local election candidates are democratically selected in line with party rules and procedures. Any complaints are taken extremely seriously and are fully investigated in line with party rules."

LeedsLive did call Cllr Hamilton direct for a comment, but she hung up immediately.

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