Call for inquiry into how health board handled sex allegations

POLITICIANS and medics have called for an independent inquiry into a health board’s handling of sex assault allegations made by patients against a hospital worker who went on to kill.

A report by Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board (ABMU), published yesterday, identified failings in the way it had dealt with the claims made against Kris Wade.

Wade faced allegations from three patients with learning disabilities that they had been sexually abused by the 37-year-old between 2012 and 2013. Although the complaints were investigated, no criminal case was ever heard following a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service.

In March 2016, he killed his 65-year-old neighbour Christine James at her Cardiff Bay flat in a “sexually motivated” attack.

As we reported yesterday, the health board failed to follow reporting procedures fully when the allegations were made. The review also reported delays in removing him from his work after two of the claims were made.

Bethan Jenkins AM said: “I’m frankly astonished at what I’ve read in this report. This highlights what are clearly systemic failures in patient care and protection”

Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, called for an independent inquiry.

Dr David Bailey, the BMA’s Welsh council deputy chairman, said: “We believe it is unacceptable for a health board to investigate serious concerns about itself.”

ABMU health board said improvements had been made to its procedures and policies in the wake of the case.