A recent Freedom of Information request has uncovered disturbing revelations about sexual assaults within the Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust. Over the last three financial years—from 2022/23 through 2024/25—a total of 77 sexual assault incidents have been reported, including a confirmed case of rape.
The Trust has acknowledged the rape, which took place last year, and confirmed it was subject to a police investigation that they fully supported. Alongside this grave incident, five other patients reported being sexually assaulted while under the Trust’s care during the same period.
Sexual assault reports were not limited to patients. In the past three years, 11 staff members and one member of the public also reported assaults at the Trust. In total, 26 patient victims, 49 staffers, and two members of the public came forward.
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Furthermore, the Trust faced 56 complaints of sexual harassment on its premises, 11 of which were made by patients. Notably, eight harassment incidents occurred in the latest financial year, 2024/25.
A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Health & Care NHS Foundation Trust stated: “We take sexual safety within our services very seriously. We encourage the reporting of all incidents to enable thorough investigations. We have robust security and safety measures to prevent such offenses and offer full support to anyone affected.”
Despite these measures, Gloucestershire ranks among the worst in the UK for reports of sexual offences within healthcare settings, second only to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where 99 offences were reported over the same period. In Newcastle, eight patients were victims, and four staff members faced disciplinary action.
Nationally, sexual misconduct within the medical profession remains a systemic issue. Studies indicate it is widespread but often under-reported due to fears of retaliation or career consequences. Analysis of Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service decisions reveals that nearly 25% of tribunal cases involve sexual misconduct, with many ending in erasures or suspensions from medical practice.
Alarmingly, 26% of cases involved offenses against children, and all sanctioned doctors were male, with 83% occupying senior roles such as consultants or general practitioners. Victims often face re-traumatizing tribunal procedures without guaranteed legal support.
Experts call for mandatory trauma-informed training, clear reporting pathways, improved whistleblower protections, and consistent sanctioning to address the issue effectively.
Ellie Lamy, representing Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice, highlighted, “This is not a collection of isolated incidents but a troubling pattern. Abuse of trust in healthcare has deep, lasting effects on victims. Many remain silent due to fear and power imbalances. We need survivor-centered reporting, independent oversight, and consequences that reflect the gravity of these offenses to restore public confidence and deliver justice.”
Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice offers expert legal support to survivors of sexual abuse, providing confidential consultations and assistance.