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Sexual Misconduct in UK Ambulance Service
A Sky News investigation reveals a culture of sexual misconduct in the UK ambulance service, involving assaults on patients and harassment of staff.
English
United Kingdom
Human Rights ViolationsHealthGender IssuesInvestigationHealthcareCultureSexual AbuseHarassment
Health And Care Professions Council (Hcpc)Sky NewsWelsh Ambulance ServiceAssociation Of Ambulance Chief ExecutivesNhs England
LucyEllieJason KillensChristine Elliott
- What happened to Lucy in the ambulance?
- Lucy, a single mother, was sexually assaulted by a male paramedic while unconscious in an ambulance after her drink was spiked. Despite a not-guilty verdict in court, the paramedic was later struck off by the Health and Care Professions Council.
- Describe Ellie's experience of sexual harassment in the ambulance service.
- Ellie, a former call handler, was sexually harassed by her manager, who made unwanted advances and sent explicit messages. Despite reporting the incident, HR took no action, highlighting a lack of accountability within the service.
- What evidence suggests a culture of sexual misconduct in the ambulance service?
- The investigation revealed a concerning culture of sexual misconduct within the ambulance service, including sexual harassment of colleagues and the sexualization of patients, particularly young women. Whistleblowers described the normalization of inappropriate behavior and the use of euphemisms like "TUBEs" and "jazz hands".
- What actions are being taken to address the problem of sexual misconduct in the ambulance service?
- Ambulance service bosses acknowledge the failures within their organization and express remorse for letting victims down, but are working to change the culture, root out perpetrators, and prevent low-level misconduct from escalating. They are committed to tackling sexual misconduct and improving patient safety.
- What is the role of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in addressing sexual misconduct cases?
- The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is responsible for investigating complaints against paramedics and can impose sanctions, including striking them off the register. The process, however, can take a considerable amount of time (an average of three years), and they are working on initiatives to speed up investigations.