You’ve probably seen headlines in early January 2026 like “Award-Winning Nurse Struck Off Over Anti-Immigrant Posts” or “NHS Nurse Loses Licence for Sharing ‘Foreigners Will Be Your Rulers’ Meme.” But what’s the complete picture? In this detailed blog post, we’ll break down the case of Roberta Sandra Batchelor, a long-serving UK nurse whose career ended due to social media activity deemed misconduct by the NMC. We’ll cover the facts, context, outcome, and – most importantly – practical advice for healthcare professionals on avoiding similar issues.
If you’re searching for terms like “NMC social media cases 2025,” “nurse struck off Facebook posts,” or “how to use social media safely as a nurse,” this post is for you.
Background: Who Was Roberta Sandra Batchelor?
Roberta Sandra Batchelor (NMC PIN: 00I4105E) was a registered adult nurse based in Birmingham, working as a Ward Manager at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. Her career spanned over 43 years, starting from roles like cleaner and progressing to senior positions. She was celebrated locally – winning a “Pride of Nursing” award in 2015 and featuring in trust interviews, including one praising diversity (later removed).
However, in August 2024, amid national unrest (e.g., following the Southport incidents), a member of the public complained to the Trust about posts on her public Facebook profile, which clearly identified her as a nurse (e.g., uniform photos). The posts were alleged to be racially abusive, targeting immigrants and Muslims.
What Were the Posts About?
The NMC charges focused on four posts/shared images from around August 2024:
- A split image contrasting boat arrivals at a beach (“these give nothing and get everything”) with a homeless veteran (“these give everything and get nothing”).
- An image of a child being chased by men (one with a knife, in traditional clothing), captioned about taxpayer money for “Protection of Mosques.”
- A highlighted Bible verse from Deuteronomy warning that “foreigners” would gain power and rule over the host population.
- A split image comparing airport security (“YOU AT THE AIRPORT”) with a boat arrival (“MUHAMMAD AT DOVER”).
These were ruled inappropriate/offensive, with some deemed racist, racially motivated (seeking to offend/incite hatred toward immigrants), and discriminatory toward Muslims.
Batchelor admitted posting/sharing them during the Trust’s investigation and apologised.
The NMC Process and Outcome
The case went to the NMC Fitness to Practise Committee (virtual meeting, 23 December 2025). Batchelor waived notice periods and agreed to a Consensual Panel Determination (CPD), fully admitting:
- The facts of the posts.
- That they amounted to misconduct (breaching NMC Code sections on respect, non-discrimination, responsible social media use, and not expressing personal beliefs inappropriately).
- That her fitness to practise was impaired (due to deep-seated attitudinal issues, risk of repetition, and public interest in upholding standards).
She expressed remorse, citing anger over government policies (e.g., elderly benefits), work stress (e.g., a difficult matron), and national unrest. She noted her family includes ethnic minorities and said she was “disgusted” with herself, even requesting removal from the register as she no longer felt worthy.
The panel accepted the CPD, finding impairment on public protection and interest grounds. Aggravating: Repeated discrimination in public, hard-to-remediate attitudes. Mitigating: Admissions, remorse.
Sanction: Striking-off order (permanent removal from register), plus an 18-month interim suspension (for any appeal period).
Why Such a Severe Outcome? The NMC’s Stance
The NMC takes discrimination seriously, stating no form should be tolerated in healthcare. Social media guidance warns posts inciting hatred/discrimination can jeopardise registration. The public nature, link to her profession, and potential to undermine trust/distress patients were key factors.
This aligns with broader trends: NMC emphasises professionalism extends off-duty, especially online.
Media coverage (e.g., Daily Mail, Express, GB News on 2 January 2026) highlighted the posts’ content and her prior diversity praise, sparking debates on free speech vs. professional standards.
How to Stay Safe on Social Media as a Healthcare Professional
This case is a stark reminder: Regulators like the NMC, GMC, or HCPC hold professionals to high standards 24/7. Here’s how to protect your career:
1. Review Regulator Guidelines Regularly
- NMC Code (sections 20.1–20.10) and social media guidance: Be responsible, avoid discrimination, don’t express beliefs inappropriately.
- Similar for other bodies – search “[your regulator] social media guidance.”
2. Privacy Settings Aren’t Foolproof
- Make profiles private, avoid job identifiers (no uniform pics, workplace tags).
- Screenshots happen – assume all posts could become public.
3. Pause Before Posting
- Ask: Could this offend patients/colleagues? Undermine trust in the profession?
- Avoid politics, immigration, religion if potentially divisive.
- “Boss/Patient Test”: Would you show it to your manager or a patient?
4. Manage Stress Healthily
- Frustrations (work, news) shouldn’t spill online. Use therapy, unions (e.g., RCN support), or anonymous outlets.
- Batchelor cited anger/unrest – professional channels exist for venting safely.
5. If Investigated: Engage Positively
- Admit early if appropriate, show deep reflection/remorse (e.g., equality training).
- Seek union/legal advice.
- Incomplete insight (as here) can worsen outcomes.
6. Audit Your Online Presence
- Google yourself regularly.
- Delete old risky content.
Following these reduces risks dramatically. Most professionals never face issues – but caution pays off.
Final Thoughts
Roberta Batchelor’s case ended a distinguished career over posts made in a moment of frustration. It highlights the NMC’s firm line on discrimination and social media responsibility, prioritising public trust.
For balanced views, check reports from Daily Mail (2 Jan 2026), Express, and GB News.
Stay safe online – your registration depends on it. Questions? Comment below (professionally!).
Published: 4 January 2026. Sources linked above; based on public reports of official NMC decision.
Disclaimer: This article is based solely on publicly available information from major news outlets (including the Daily Mail, Express, and GB News) reporting on the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) fitness to practise decision dated 23 December 2025, and the official NMC outcome. All details are drawn from these sources to ensure fair and accurate reporting. NMC striking-off orders and related details are matters of public record.
