Nurse Emma Marsden struck off for working as escort
A nurse who worked as an escort while on sick leave has been struck off for six months.
Emma Marsden, 35, of Roath, Cardiff, advertised while employed at the city's Whitchurch Hospital in 2008.
A Nursing and Midwifery Council disciplinary council panel heard that another escort told health officials.
She resigned after learning she was being investigated, and the chair of the panel said working as an escort had brought the profession into disrepute.
Sue Sauter said: "We've taken into account the services offered on the website which were clearly of a sexual nature.
"Her failing to admit or apologise for this conduct causes the panel grave concern."
Mrs Sauter said a suspension order for six months was the "appropriate and proper sanction" for misconduct.
She added: "This will renew public confidence in the profession and the council.
"This will mark the seriousness of the misconduct and give her time to reflect on her actions."
When caught, Ms Marsden claimed she was exploring the possibility of a new career if she left nursing.
She handed in sick notes saying she was too unwell to work, and set herself up as an escort on websites offering sex.
The panel heard that when she was interviewed Ms Marsden said: "I'm not qualified in anything else and with three children I don't have the time or patience to retrain.
"So I let an ex-girlfriend advertise me on one site. The pictures she posted were personal."
But the panel ruled that she was being paid as an escort while still being paid by the NHS.
Mrs Sauter said: "We have seen medical certificates and pay slips for the periods in question and she was being paid sick leave.
"One of her websites contained personal information and photos of her in sexy or provocative poses.
"It also contained information on rates charged, availability, a guestbook and links to other websites.
"It required significant effort and investment and it seems unlikely any interest in it would have been turned away."