Charles Jones, 57, appeared before the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s conduct and competence panel accused of carrying out the rectal examination without consent at Anbridge Care Home in Oldham in November 2006.

Mr Jones, of Mirfield, also faced allegations of failing to examine the patient’s abdomen, not positioning him correctly and not using lubricant. But the panel accepted Mr Jones had obtained consent. It ruled the circumstances meant an abdominal examination was not needed, and Jones did not need to move the patient onto his left.

But the panel did say Mr Jones was guilty of misconduct by not using lubricant – but his fitness to practise was not impaired.

Its report said: “This was an isolated lapse on the registrant’s part, which was not intentional. We are satisfied that, although he is not currently in clinical practice, the registrant has learned from these events and their consequences, and is now very aware of the need to keep his knowledge and practice up to date.”