WA health minister concedes girl allegedly raped inside Perth Children’s Hospital was ‘failed’

  • 8 months ago
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A teenage girl who was allegedly raped by a teenage patient at Perth Children's Hospital was let down by the system intended to keep her safe, WA's health minister has admitted. The incident allegedly occurred at a PCH mental health ward last year and was reported by ABC after the 13-year-old victim, nicknamed Florence, detailed the shocking allegations in an article. She claims another male patient attacked her while medical staff gathered at a nearby nurses' station. "It really breaks my heart to know that I'm not the only one," she said. "We had to be protected" Earlier in the day, the 13-year-old boy allegedly told Florence he was "going to do something" to her that night. “I froze because I knew he was so much bigger than me,” Florence said. "I think this patient and his family have failed," he told reporters. This was second time the girl was allegedly sexually assaulted in three months; first incident led to his acceptance into PCH. Perth Children's Hospital has been rocked by a shocking rape allegation. The hospital provided Florence's family with a heavily edited copy of the clinical case study commissioned by WA's Child and Adolescent Health Service . It was determined that nurses on duty that night did not make necessary hourly checks between 12.30 and 03.30, and instead gathered in an office in ward because they were afraid of child. "It's inexplicable why security wasn't called," Sanderson said. “Security is available to staff 247 to support them. Their supervisors should also have participated in this incident and supported the staff. The investigation also stated that CCTV captured video of the child crawling across the ward floor and entering Florence's room at around 12.30am. The family was not allowed to view the footage, but Sanderson asked for this decision to be reviewed. He said several investigations were launched immediately after incident was reported, including a comprehensive review by CAHS and an independent investigation by the office of chief psychiatrist , which is responsible for overseeing treatment standards and care for patients with intellectual disabilities. Healthcare facilities in WA. Amber-Jade Sanderson has addressed disturbing new allegations from a patient on PCH's mental health ward. The Minister stated that mission protocols were not followed overnight and that a significant change was made. “After report was completed, OCP met with the family to discuss findings,” Sanderson said. “All suggestions, some suggested by the family, were accepted. “Action has been taken to address the recommendations and further work is ongoing. “Now, on each shift, staff assess the risk and are informed of the specific safety plans available tailored to individual patients. “CAHS has also strengthened the identification of risk and transfer processes, including training and sexual safety education.” 'Disciplinary procedures' What was important was that the minister issu

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