'Serial fraud artist': Crown wants 8-year jail term for fake nurse who treated nearly 1K B.C. patients
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B.C. Crown prosecutors are calling for an eight-year prison term for a woman who illegally treated nearly 1,000 patients across the province while impersonating a real nurse.
B.C. Crown prosecutors are calling for an eight-year prison term for a woman who illegally treated nearly 1,000 patients across the province while impersonating a real nurse.
Brigitte Cleroux, 53, pleaded guilty in July in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver to several crimes including fraud over $5,000, personation, using forged documents and assault.
According to an agreed statement of facts, Cleroux, using the name and credentials of a real nurse—whose identity is protected by a publication ban—to obtain employment at B.C. Women’s Hospital in June of 2020.
Cleroux was hired as a general duty nurse in post-anesthetic care in the gynecological surgical services section of the hospital and treated at least 899 patients between June 2020 to June 2021, before she was placed on leave after complaints from both staff and patients.
She administered powerful drugs to patients including fentanyl and hydromorphone intravenously.
Cleroux admits she has never been a licensed or registered nurse of any type in any jurisdiction.
She also worked a brief stint at View Royal Surgical Centre near Victoria in October and November of 2020, treating nearly 60 patients, before she resigned after numerous complaints about her abilities and professionalism.
