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NHS apologises for 'inexcusable failings' at centre for rape victims NHS apologises for 'inexcusable failings' at centre for rape victims
(about 7 hours later)
The NHS has apologised for "inexcusable failings" at a centre that examines victims of rape and sexual assault.The NHS has apologised for "inexcusable failings" at a centre that examines victims of rape and sexual assault.
Samples that should have been forwarded to forensic laboratories for DNA testing were not sent, while results from samples that were sent were not reported back to those who had been referred to the centre by police or went there independently.Samples that should have been forwarded to forensic laboratories for DNA testing were not sent, while results from samples that were sent were not reported back to those who had been referred to the centre by police or went there independently.
A total of 93 patients were caught up in the "whole system failure" at the Haven in Whitechapel, London, according to a previously unpublished independent report commissioned by the Barts NHS health trust into events at the centre up to early 2012. The problems led to the unit's temporary closure and although it has reopened, it still does not offer a 24-hour service. A total of 93 patients were caught up in the "whole-system failure" at the Haven in Whitechapel, London, according to a previously unpublished independent report commissioned by the Barts NHS health trust into events at the centre up to early 2012. The problems led to the unit's temporary closure and although it has reopened, it still does not offer a 24-hour service.
The report found that poor forensic protocols and safeguarding problems had been raised by staff, but senior managers had not intervened. Although two members of staff at Barts Health were subsequently dismissed, the report, released after a freedom of information request by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, said there were missed opportunities throughout the system.The report found that poor forensic protocols and safeguarding problems had been raised by staff, but senior managers had not intervened. Although two members of staff at Barts Health were subsequently dismissed, the report, released after a freedom of information request by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, said there were missed opportunities throughout the system.
The crisis at the centre, one of three Havens in the capital, echoed many of the failings identified by the Francis inquiry into the Mid-Staffordshire NHS foundation trust, which found shortcomings in fundamental standards, candour, managerial accountability, and training and support for staff.The crisis at the centre, one of three Havens in the capital, echoed many of the failings identified by the Francis inquiry into the Mid-Staffordshire NHS foundation trust, which found shortcomings in fundamental standards, candour, managerial accountability, and training and support for staff.
The independent panel heard that the Whitechapel Haven was "an uncomfortable place to work in". Junior staff were particularly fearful and there were rumours of bullying that led to people leaving the centre. Members found the forensic examination suite cluttered with equipment that could cause cross-contamination and a "general air of grubbiness and poor decoration".The independent panel heard that the Whitechapel Haven was "an uncomfortable place to work in". Junior staff were particularly fearful and there were rumours of bullying that led to people leaving the centre. Members found the forensic examination suite cluttered with equipment that could cause cross-contamination and a "general air of grubbiness and poor decoration".
The Barts trust said: "We are extremely sorry for the inexcusable failings at the Whitechapel Haven. As soon as we became aware that there was an issue in 2011, we took swift and immediate action to ensure that all the affected samples were re-tested and contacted the individuals involved to offer a full apology, support and counselling."The Barts trust said: "We are extremely sorry for the inexcusable failings at the Whitechapel Haven. As soon as we became aware that there was an issue in 2011, we took swift and immediate action to ensure that all the affected samples were re-tested and contacted the individuals involved to offer a full apology, support and counselling."
It had commissioned the investigation, it said, "in order to understand fully what led to this failure in care so that there could be no repetition".It had commissioned the investigation, it said, "in order to understand fully what led to this failure in care so that there could be no repetition".
The trust that formerly managed the centre, Barts and the London, had also carried out an audit of all records held at the Haven in Whitechapel since its opening in 2004, said the trust. All three Havens are now managed by King's College Hospital NHS foundation trust.The trust that formerly managed the centre, Barts and the London, had also carried out an audit of all records held at the Haven in Whitechapel since its opening in 2004, said the trust. All three Havens are now managed by King's College Hospital NHS foundation trust.
NHS England, which was established after the time of the incidents, is organising a meeting in February of clinicians caring for people after sexual assaults from across the country to ensure lessons can be learned.NHS England, which was established after the time of the incidents, is organising a meeting in February of clinicians caring for people after sexual assaults from across the country to ensure lessons can be learned.
The Metropolitan police service said it was working to increase the number of referrals to the three Havens. (The others are in Camberwell and Paddington.) "We are committed to providing the best possible service to victims of rape and sexual assault and would encourage all who have been subjected to these horrific offences to contact police who will assign a specially trained officer to provide support or seek advice from the Havens," it said in a statement.The Metropolitan police service said it was working to increase the number of referrals to the three Havens. (The others are in Camberwell and Paddington.) "We are committed to providing the best possible service to victims of rape and sexual assault and would encourage all who have been subjected to these horrific offences to contact police who will assign a specially trained officer to provide support or seek advice from the Havens," it said in a statement.
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