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Nurse who sexually assaulted woman in A&E after she was admitted when her drink was spiked is jailed seven years
A nurse has been jailed for seven years after sexually assaulting a woman who was receiving treatment at Bournemouth Hospital after her drink was spiked. The case has raised concerns about safeguarding for vulnerable patients, including staff access to wards and the use of chaperones during intimate care.
Ernest Cruz, 38, was not assigned to the woman’s care but entered her room 12 times over two hours, recording observations under a colleague’s name, CCTV evidence showed. He denied assault by penetration and sexual assault but was convicted at Bournemouth Crown Court; the victim, who was later diagnosed with PTSD, has called for stronger hospital safeguards. Cruz came to the UK from the Philippines on an NHS work visa in 2021 and may face deportation after prison.
In short
- Nurse Ernest Cruz was jailed for seven years.
- He entered the patient’s room 12 times in two hours.
- The victim is calling for stronger hospital safeguards.
Explained simply
Accident and emergency departments treat people who need urgent medical care. Patients may be confused, unwell or unable to protect themselves, so hospitals have duties to keep them safe and to make sure staff access and care are properly supervised.
Hospitals use safeguards such as staff checks, records of who enters patient areas and chaperones during some intimate examinations or care. A chaperone is another trained person present to support the patient and provide oversight.
The case concerns a patient who was receiving treatment after her drink was spiked and a nurse who was not assigned to her care. It has drawn attention to how hospitals protect vulnerable patients and monitor staff access to them.