In a shocking case that has left the medical community and patients in disbelief, British Columbia Crown prosecutors are pushing for an eight-year prison sentence for a woman who illegally posed as a nurse and treated nearly 1,000 unsuspecting patients in the province.

Brigitte Cleroux, 53, entered a guilty plea in July at the B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, facing multiple serious charges that include fraud exceeding $5,000, impersonation, use of forged documents, and assault. The full scale of her deceitful actions was revealed during the proceedings, shedding light on the grave risks she posed to patients.

Cleroux's fraudulent journey began in June 2020 when she acquired employment at B.C. Women's Hospital, falsely assuming the identity and credentials of a legitimate nurse—whose real name remains under a publication ban. She was quickly placed in a role as a general duty nurse within the post-anesthetic care unit of the gynecological surgical services, actively treating at least 899 patients from June 2020 until June 2021. Her employment ended following numerous complaints from concerned staff and patients regarding her conduct and skills.

Heartbreakingly, she administered potent drugs, including fentanyl and hydromorphone, intravenously to patients—drugs known for their potential to cause harm if not managed by a qualified professional. It has since been revealed that Cleroux has never possessed any legitimate nursing license or registration in any jurisdiction, raising significant questions about the vetting process for healthcare professionals.

Before her stint at B.C. Women’s Hospital, Cleroux also briefly worked at the View Royal Surgical Centre near Victoria during the fall of 2020, where she treated approximately 60 patients. However, her employment ended there as complaints about her professionalism and competence continued to pile up.

The impact of Cleroux's actions devastated her victims, who provided poignant victim impact statements during her court hearings. Many recounted the emotional and psychological toll of her deception. One victim expressed, “I’m always on high alert; I’m nervous and I don’t trust anyone. My life will never be the same since this criminal touched me.” Another victim shared, “This interaction has impacted my emotional health, my trust in the medical system, and ongoing treatment plans for my medical condition.” As these powerful testimonies echoed in the courtroom, Cleroux remained in the prisoner’s box, shaking her head in disbelief.

Crown prosecutor Alexander Burton characterized Cleroux as a “serial fraud artist,” detailing her extensive criminal history. Her first conviction dates back to 1989, and she was sentenced in 2011 for various offenses in Alberta, including the impersonation of a nurse and fraud. Currently, she is serving a seven-year prison sentence for similar impersonation offenses in Ontario.

Burton advocated in court that an additional eight-year sentence, to be served consecutively to her ongoing Ontario sentence, is a necessary measure to protect the public. “The only way the Crown submits to protect the public from Ms. Cleroux is to segregate her from society,” he stated firmly.

As the case unfolds, Cleroux's defense will have an opportunity to address the court. This shocking story serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the healthcare system and the critical importance of verifying the credentials of those tasked with our care. Stay tuned as we continue to follow the developments of this disturbing case!