A manager working for the NHS in Scotland has admitted to stealing over £8,000 from doctors who were paying to stay overnight at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh. Jacqueline Robertson, a 59-year-old cleaning manager, diverted the funds to fuel her gambling addiction, which had spiraled out of control. The embezzlement took place over an 11-month period in 2018.
According to the prosecution, Robertson’s role included collecting payments from doctors staying overnight at the hospital. She was entrusted to handle the cash securely, but instead, she pocketed the money. The scam was discovered when authorities realized that the hospital had not received any residency payments during that time.
Robertson’s defense attorney, James McMacken, explained that his client had been using a gambling app on her phone, leading to substantial daily expenses. As her financial situation worsened, she resorted to taking the cash intended for the hospital. McMacken emphasized Robertson’s deep remorse for her actions and her regret over the situation.
During the court proceedings, it was highlighted that despite her clean record, the charges against Robertson were severe. The sentencing was postponed to allow for a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty order assessment.