​Hundreds sign petition calling on investigation to be axed

Pressure is mounting on the Nursing and Midwifery Council(NMC) to axe an investigation into Scots Ebola nurse Pauline Cafferkey.

Hundreds of people have signed a petition calling for the probe into whether she breached nursing protocol to be dropped.

The NMC launched the investigation over claims she concealed the fact she was unwell on her arrival to the UK.

Cafferkey, from Cambuslang in South Lanarkshire, had volunteered with Save the Children at the Ebola Treatment Centre in Kerry Town before returning to the UK.

The online petition has almost 900 signatures and says Cafferkey should be "rewarded" rather than facing a probe into her conduct.

We believe that Pauline should be rewarded for going to Sierra Leone and treating others

It states: "Nurse Pauline Cafferkey and her colleagues acted selflessly in their decision to go to Sierra Leone with Save the Children, in order to provide care and treatment to sufferers of Ebola.

"Pauline and her colleagues have allegedly been reported to the NMC by Public Health England in relation to health protocols and assessments and the way these were followed.

"This appears to be due to the fact that Pauline wore a visor to protect her face, rather than the goggles, that were prescribed at this particular centre.

"We believe that Pauline should be rewarded for going to Sierra Leone, and treating others, despite the obvious risk to herself, but instead she is now facing an investigation into her conduct, which could last up to 18 months.”

Cafferkey was at one stage in a critical condition while in isolation at the hospital before making a full recovery.

The petition further states: "Justin Forsyth, chief executive of Save the Children describes Cafferkey as a "dedicated humanitarian who worked tirelessly and selflessly in the fight against Ebola".

Two other nurses and two doctors are also being investigated by the NMC.