NURSE CHARGED

A nurse appeared in court on Thursday 7th April on additional charges following an investigation into alleged sexual offences that occurred at a local hospital.

In September 2021, detectives from The Hills Police Area Command established Strike Force Rymer to investigate reports that a 25-year-old female patient recovering from heart surgery at a Bella Vista hospital had been sexually assaulted.

Following inquiries, detectives arrested a 42-year-old man at Castle Hill Police Station on Friday 11th March 2022. He was charged with sexual intercourse without consent and remains before the courts.

Investigators received further reports a 67-year-old woman was allegedly sexually touched while awaiting heart surgery at a Kingswood Hospital in March 2022. Additionally, a 21-year-old female nursing student was allegedly sexually touched while working at Kingswood Hospital in December 2018.

Earlier this week, investigators received a further report a 58-year-old woman was allegedly sexually assaulted while awaiting heart surgery at a Bella Vista hospital in August 2021.

Following further investigations, detectives arrested the 42-year-old man at Castle Hill Police Station just after 8am on Thursday

7th April. He was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault and refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court. Investigations under Strike Force Rymer are continuing.

Detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.

Victims of sexual violence are encouraged to access free and confidential trauma specialist counselling through organisations such as Full Stop Australia: fullstop.org.au.

Anyone with concerns about suspected sexual violence, or the abuse and/or exploitation children should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stopper s online reporting page: nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence.