Allegations of rape at Clarevue Hospital under investigation

A case of sexual assault at Clarevue, the country’s lone psychiatric facility, remains under investigation.

It was suspected to be true accusations that a male nurse sexually assaulted a female patient last October, but a report said there was no hard evidence.

Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph said at a press conference earlier today that the Ministry of Health was made aware of the matter by the police.

“The police are conducting an investigation; nonetheless, the Ministry conducted its internal investigation into the matter. The investigating committee was given the terms of reference, which commenced on November 9th, 2023”, he said

On December 4th, 2023, the committee presented its report to the Ministry of Health after completing the investigations, which were issued to the Attorney General’s Office for guidance regarding disciplinary action, as the report failed to recommend any action for the alleged offense

So, while the Committee concluded that the findings suggest the assault did occur, there is no hard evidence to support the ministry’s conclusion.

Hence an intervention was sought from the AG’s Office, which requested that the investigating committee be reengaged and address the disciplinary action that can be taken.

Sir Molwyn said as far as his ministry is aware, the police are still investigating the matter.

“It is obvious that as the minister, I have to allow the law to take its course. I have no discretion in a matter where criminal matter is concerned,” he said

Meanwhile, Joseph said his ministry would review the operations at Clarevue to examine where the management and procedures can be improved to report such incidents more speedily.