Nurse Suspended for Faking Sick Notes to Visit and Marry Boyfriend in Cuba

A nurse who defrauded hospitals of tens of thousands of pounds has been suspended from practicing. Sarah Oakes, who falsified sick notes while employed at Whiston Hospital, used the fake documentation to take trips to places like Cuba. She pleaded guilty earlier this year at Liverpool Crown Court to two counts of fraud by false representation.

Although Oakes avoided jail and received a suspended sentence, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has now imposed a 12-month suspension, barring her from working in healthcare during this period. At a recent NMC hearing, details of her conviction were reviewed.

In 2019, while working at Whiston Hospital, Oakes falsely claimed she was too unwell to work and needed surgery. However, the sick notes she submitted were fraudulent, with references to a fictitious "Dr. Blake." Despite her claims of being in pain, Oakes posted on social media about her travels to Cuba, where she first visited her boyfriend and then returned to marry him. Later that year, she also submitted a false reference while applying for a role at Warrington Hospital, where she worked until 2021 before being dismissed due to inconsistent hours and extended sick leaves.

The court revealed that her actions cost the hospital trusts approximately £30,000. In July, Oakes was sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days. The NMC, following her conviction, initiated its own investigation, resulting in a formal 12-month suspension after an October hearing. This full suspension, replacing a previous 18-month interim suspension, restricts Oakes from healthcare work in Cheshire and Merseyside until its completion.