The sexual assault and harassment of patients by hospital employees
Over the last couple of years, I have noticed that the number of instructions we receive from patients at hospitals who have been sexually assaulted or harassed by hospital employees is sadly increasing.
The sexual abuse and violence against vulnerable patients by mental health professionals has been highlighted in the media for a number of years. We are acting in a number of such cases including the abuse of former patients at the Hill End Adolescent Unit in St Albans.
However, sexual abuse and harassment are not limited to mental health wards. The use of remote appointments, home visits and private treatment clinics can increase the risk of abuse but assaults, harassment and abuse also occur inside hospitals.
In 2023, the Women’s Rights Network reported that in excess of 6,500 rapes and sexual assaults had been committed in hospitals in England and Wales over the previous 4 years. These figures not only included patients but also hospital employees. The survivors of the abuse were mostly women and children.
We have also previously highlighted the risk to disabled or autistic children and the elderly and vulnerable in care homes and health facilities.
In 2024, Hourglass and an independent researcher Amanda Warbuton-Wynn published an updated report which stated that a minimum of 274 allegations of staff perpetrated sexual assaults against older patients had been reported in the previous 3 years.
The survivors of this abuse who have bravely come forward to make these allegations deserve genuine accountability and for action to be taken against the perpetrators of the abuse.
It is devastating for a patient when a healthcare professional who is meant to be caring for them abuses their position of trust.
The NHS have now set up a dedicated police portal to allow employees to report criminal allegations. NHS trusts are to provide training in relation to sexual misconduct investigations and have been reminded of their legal duty to make barring referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service. However, ongoing and improved vigilance is essential to ensure patient safety.
How can Jordans Solicitors help?
Jordans Solicitors are acting on behalf of vulnerable children and adults whom it is alleged were sexually abused or harassed in a number of different types of health institutions.
Compensation is a small step towards taking control of your life and getting the justice you deserve.
We understand how difficult it can be for you to talk about the abuse you have suffered. That’s why our specially trained child abuse solicitors work closely alongside psychologists and barristers to support you both emotionally and legally.
If you want to discuss the options that are open to you, please contact our specialist Abuse Team at Jordans Solicitors on 0800 9555 094 or request a call back here.