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Rape victim 'too grubby' for NHS Trust's treatment based on need
(about 2 hours later)
The National Health Service has been criticised in court after a doctor told the male victim of a double rape that he was "too grubby" to be treated. Cornwall Primary Care Trust (PCT) has reassured patients that treatment is based on need rather than personal circumstances.
It follows criticism of its treatment of a rape victim who was told he was "too grubby" to be treated.
The 50-year-old victim was attacked by Levi Lavers, 19, from Newlyn, Cornwall, after Lavers broke into his home. He was given six years in youth custody.The 50-year-old victim was attacked by Levi Lavers, 19, from Newlyn, Cornwall, after Lavers broke into his home. He was given six years in youth custody.
Prosecutors said that after the attacks the victim "was then treated abominably by the NHS". Now the PCT wants more information from the victim for its investigation.
The NHS said it would investigate any complaints it received. Prosecutors at Exeter Crown Court said the victim had been "abominably" treated by the NHS after the attack.
'No complaint'
Lavers was 17 at the time of the attacks, which he carried out after breaking into the victim's Newlyn home at night in July 2006.Lavers was 17 at the time of the attacks, which he carried out after breaking into the victim's Newlyn home at night in July 2006.
When confronted by the victim's neighbours, he armed himself with a knife and made threats to burn down the house and kill the victim before fleeing.When confronted by the victim's neighbours, he armed himself with a knife and made threats to burn down the house and kill the victim before fleeing.
Prosecutor Michael Brabin told Exeter Crown Court: "It was only 10 days after the sex attacks that he had gone downhill so much that he was treated by the NHS.Prosecutor Michael Brabin told Exeter Crown Court: "It was only 10 days after the sex attacks that he had gone downhill so much that he was treated by the NHS.
We would be keen to learn any lessons from this case to help improve patient care Carol Williams, Cornwall Primary Care Trust
"Following that, the full weight of social services was brought to bear and he was found a new home.""Following that, the full weight of social services was brought to bear and he was found a new home."
Lavers was found guilty of two charges of rape by a jury. Lavers was found guilty of two charges of rape by a jury. He also admitted affray and was ordered to sign on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.
He also admitted affray and was ordered to sign on the Sex Offenders' Register for life. The PCT said no official complaint had been made by the victim or his family.
Carol Williams, director of service improvement at Cornwall Primary Care Trust, said no official complaint had been made by the victim or his family, but advised them to do so.
She said: "Our sympathies are with the man who was the victim of this crime.
"We can ensure that the right support is provided to investigate any issues in a confidential and thorough manner and appropriate actions are taken."
She added: "It is essential that the NHS responds to the healthcare needs of each individual, regardless of their personal circumstances, and we would be keen to learn any lessons from this case to help improve patient care."