Nurses Turned Thieves: Paramedics Rob Terminally Ill Patients of Painkillers
Ruth Lambert, 33, and Jessica Silvester, 29, exploited their jobs as paramedics to rob the most vulnerable. Posing as nurses, the duo targeted terminally ill patients receiving end-of-life care, stealing morphine and other painkillers intended to ease their final days.
Inside Job: How They Pulled Off The Heists
With access to patient records via South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb), Lambert and Silvester worked as a tag team. One scouted victims’ addresses, the other struck, sneaking into homes to snatch medication. Their thefts spanned across Thanet, Canterbury, Whitstable, Faversham, and Herne Bay.
Police Crack The Case After Multiple Burglaries
Their crimes came to light in August 2021 after kent-police/" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="6420">Kent Police spotted a string of similar distraction burglaries. They were arrested at their Margate home following a burglary in the town. Police found stolen meds, nurses’ uniforms, and NHS computer gear.
Further digs revealed the pair also nicked drugs from ambulances and NHS supplies, referring to the stolen meds as “sweets” in text messages. Silvester’s NHS login was used nearly 1,850 times over a few months to trawl through patient records and calls.
Shocking Scale of Abuse and Jail Time
- At least 25 burglaries over nine months from December 2020
- Convinced victims to hand over medication by pretending to collect it after loved ones died
- Stole NHS equipment worth over £14,000, later returned by police
- Plead guilty to conspiring to burgle and steal
Each sentenced to five years behind bars at Canterbury Crown Court.
“These offences were an astonishing abuse of position,” said Detective Sergeant Jay Robinson. “They plotted and stole crucial medication from terminally ill patients. Many victims have since died, never knowing justice was served.”
The police thanked the victims’ families for their support during this difficult investigation, highlighting the devastating betrayal of these so-called carers.
