A Birmingham NHS nurse has been suspended for six months after sharing a series of offensive social media posts including comments saying “Stop the boats” and “Deport them all.”
Tina Patricia Orbell, who worked as a bank nurse in the emergency department at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, was found guilty of misconduct by a Nursing and Midwifery Council panel. The regulator also imposed an interim suspension for up to 18 months while any appeal period is completed.
The case arose after the NMC received complaints in early 2025 from three members of the public and three former colleagues about posts shared on Facebook and Instagram between July 2024 and February 2025.
Among the posts was one claiming: “Due to the red weather warning Starmer has asked the illegals to use the channel tunnel.” Under another image showing people waving Union Jack and England flags, Orbell wrote: “Stop the boats… This government is corrupt through and through. We deserve better.” She also commented: “Deport them all.”
The panel found she had repeatedly shared offensive, derogatory and discriminatory content targeting people based on race, religion and immigration status. It concluded her conduct could lead members of the public to fear they would receive less favourable treatment in healthcare and could discourage vulnerable patients from seeking medical help. The panel also said her actions caused distress to colleagues and damaged confidence in the nursing profession.
Orbell apologised for her behaviour and told the NMC she felt “deep shame and regret.” She said she did not intend to be associated with racist material and claimed she did not fully understand how social media worked. However, the panel found she had tried to minimise her responsibility and said her insight remained limited despite showing remorse.
The NMC decided against striking her off the register, citing her apologies, developing insight and evidence of previous good character. It instead imposed a six month suspension, saying this would protect the public while giving her the opportunity to reflect further should she ever decide to return to nursing. Orbell has told the regulator she has retired and has no plans to practise again.
