Call for public inquiry into health board over killer
The Health Secretary is coming under increasing pressure to launch an inquiry into a health board’s handling of sex assault allegations made by patients against a hospital worker who went on to kill his neighbour.
A report by Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board (ABMU) identified failings in the way it had dealt with the claims made against Kris Wade.
Wade, 37, faced a number of claims made by patients with learning disabilities in 2012 and 2013, but, although the complaints were investigated, no criminal case was ever heard.
He is currently serving at least 21 years in prison after admitting killing Christine James, 65, at her Cardiff Bay flat in March 2016.
The case triggered an internal review by ABMU to look at Wade’s employment history.
The subsequent report by ABMU found none of the issues identified could have predicted or prevented Mr Wade’s conduct or behaviour outside of his employment.
But critics have labelled the report “wholly insufficient”.
Doctors’ group the British Medical Association (BMA) has called for an independent review.
Dr David Bailey, chairman elect of the BMA’s Welsh Council, said it was unacceptable that the health board had been absolved from responsibility.
He said: “BMA Cymru Wales is calling for an independent inquiry into ABMU Health Board’s handling of this case.
“A desktop review which fails to speak to everyone involved in raising concerns is wholly insufficient and demonstrates a significant lack of transparency about the process.
“The review seems to absolve the health board from any responsibility for not acting sooner, this is simply unacceptable. We need to move rapidly towards an NHS in Wales that is open and transparent about patient safety, which enjoys a culture of both professional and patient engagement, and empowers all NHS staff and patients to raise concerns, and to deal with those concerns seriously and swiftly.”
Wade’s alleged victims had learning difficulties and charity Mencap echoed calls for the Welsh Government to investigate the case.
Wayne Crocker, director of Mencap Cymru, said: “The tragedy of Christine James’ murder highlights the need to give people with a learning disability a real voice and ensure they are supported properly so that their stories can be heard.”
Speaking to ITV Wales, Health Secretary Vaughan Gething AM dismissed the need for a public inquiry.
He said: “I don’t think there is a need for a public inquiry. A report has been provided about the tragic circumstance of both the murder, which I don’t think is related to the employment issues, and also recognition that the health board has things they need to improve as a result of that internal review.”
When asked if this remained the government’s stance, a Welsh Government spokesman said: “We expect health boards to robustly investigate any serious allegations made against NHS staff, and to take appropriate action if necessary.
“Health boards are expected to have robust and effective processes and governance arrangements in place to handle any concerns raised.”
Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood said: “The health board’s conduct shows a lack of transparency. It absolves itself of any real responsibility over responding to Kris Wade’s actions.
“It is not acceptable for the health board to conduct a probe into itself.
“I urge the Health Secretary to take immediate action – failure to do so will be a dereliction of duty.”