Former colleague sentenced after serious offence

Paul Ernest Cruz, 38, a former member of staff at Royal Bournemouth Hospital was found guilty in Bournemouth Crown Court of sexual assault on a patient in our Emergency Department in July 2023.

Sarah Herbert our Chief Nursing Officer, said: “This should have never happened in our hospital. We would like to sincerely apologise to the victim and her family for this assault that took place while she was in our care. We worked closely with Dorset Police on the investigation and thank them and our colleagues who provided evidence to ensure this conviction. We have strengthened our chaperone policy to ensure appropriate protection for all our patients.”

Cruz was a band 5 nurse who worked in our Emergency Department, from September 2021 until he was suspended in 2023 following his arrest. We dismissed him following this and referred him to the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

We reviewed patient feedback during his period of employment and to date no further concerns have been raised. However, if any former patient has any concerns about the care that they received, they can leave a message, with contact details, on 0300 019 1000. Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police online at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101.