A nurse has been charged with theft after she allegedly took narcotics from a drawer at Tilbury Manor and swapped them with an unknown liquid.

Chatham-Kent police say on Nov. 19, a part-time nurse unlocked a narcotics drawer and removed several ampules of morphine and hydromorphone during her shift.

Ashley Hillman, 29, of Tilbury has been charged with theft under $5,000 and mischief. 

Hillman allegedly cut the tops off of 12 ampules and removed the narcotics.  Police say she refilled the ampules with an unknown liquid, glued the tops back on and placed them back in the drawer.

Tilbury Manor administrator Jennifer Middleton says none of the residents were impacted as a result of the switch.

“The processes are systems are very effective in ensure residence safety and care is at the highest standard,” says Middleton.

The Ministry of Health, police and the College of Nurses of Ontario were notified of the concern and the employee no longer works for the home.

“I’m proud of the registered staff as they did a fantastic job and recognizing the reporting the issue immediately,” says Middleton.

Hillman’s next court date is Jan 19.