* Police detain man (51) at hospital n Suspect is health trust's head of mental health nursing n Substances used on gay party scene
A NURSING chief is at the centre of a police probe into an alleged theft of drugs from one of Northern Ireland's biggest hospitals.
Trevor Fleming (51), pictured, was arrested in the grounds of Antrim Area Hospital this month after medication was reported missing from the A&E department.
It is understood the substances, which are used for recreational purposes in the gay community, are prescribed by the hospital for muscular conditions.
Mr Fleming, who is head of mental health nursing services for the Northern Health and Social Care Trust but also works in the hospital's casualty unit once a week, was released within hours pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.
The arrest of the highly regarded health professional with more than 25 years' experience in his field stunned staff in the embattled trust.
A Northern Trust spokeswoman confirmed that a staff member had been suspended after police were called on November 8 "in relation to an alleged drug theft".
However, the trust has not yet referred Mr Fleming to his professional regulatory body, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
"Trust protocols were followed," the spokeswoman said.
"The matter is being considered in relation to Nursing and Midwifery Council referral and a PSNI investigation is ongoing. The trust cannot comment further at this time."
The NMC - whose remit is to safeguard the public by ensuring that nurses and midwives deliver high-quality care - confirmed there are "no restrictions" on Mr Fleming's freedom to practise.
As a lead professional nurse for the trust, Mr Fleming has taken part in several regional projects including the drafting of a framework for mental health nursing for Northern Ireland for 2010 to 2015.
He has also carried out work for the NMC.