A Clarevue nurse accused of inappropriate behaviour against a vulnerable patient has hit out at the authorities’ handling of the matter.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Minister of Health Sir Molwyn Joseph told reporters that a specially appointed committee investigating claims of “sexual assault” against a 24-year-old female last October had concluded that it likely did occur, although a lack of “hard evidence” was also noted.
The minister said the committee had since been tasked with considering options for potential disciplinary action, adding that a separate police probe was also being carried out.
But the male nurse at the heart of the controversy claims due process in suspending him from regular duties was not adhered to.
“In the first place, I was sent home, and nobody has called and said anything to me … three weeks after, I was given a letter,” he told Observer.
He explained that his supervisor had told him to “go home and she will call me when I am supposed to come in to work”.
He also claimed that he has received only half of his regular salary since going on administrative leave.
In a letter from Clarevue to the nurse, seen by Observer, the accused individual was notified on October 25 that he had been placed on administrative leave effective October 12.
The letter also referred to a meeting on October 17, in the presence of the Acting Chief Medical Officer and the Principal Nursing Officer, in which the nurse denied the allegations.
The accused is now in consultation with his attorney on further steps, including potentially bringing legal action against the government for its handling of the situation.
Another letter sent to the accused’s lawyers by the Ministry of Health’s Permanent Secretary on January 25 claimed that the nurse would be given further instructions once the police and the independent investigating committee conclude their findings.
