16/07/2008

Male Nurse 'Manipulated' Women Into Sexual Relationships

A 'predatory' male nurse was able to "manipulate" more than 20 women into sexual relationships due to poor management by his NHS bosses, an inquiry has found.

David Britten, 54, a former manager of the Peter Dally Clinic in Westminster, central London, is alleged to have preyed on at least 23 women over a 20-year period.

He was sacked by the clinic over unrelated issues in 2002 and claims of sexual misconduct were then made against him.

An investigation was launched by North West London Strategic Health Authority - now NHS London - which blamed poor management, missed opportunities and the reluctance of the women to come forward.

The report described Mr Britten as a "manipulative predator" who posed a "clear danger" to women.

Alison McKenna, who led the investigation, said: "The effect of David Britten's abuse of these vulnerable women cannot be overestimated.

"David Britten was a specialist in eating disorders and would have known that affected individuals can be very compliant and eager to please. He deliberately targeted vulnerable patients, grooming them for his own sexual gratification."

Chief Nurse Trish Morris-Thompson apologised on behalf of NHS London. She said: "As a nurse and a midwife, I am appalled by David Britten's actions and that they went unchecked for so long. He abused not just these women but also his position of professional trust."

Mr Britten has not faced criminal charges over the claims, as the Criminal Prosecution Service said that there was insufficient evidence.

(KMcA/JM)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

17 February 2004
UK sees 20% increase in multiple births over 10 years
Mothers are having 20% more multiple births than they were a decade ago, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Statistics have revealed that in 2002, the multiple birth rate was 15 per 1,000 women giving birth, compared with 12.5 in 1992.
08 May 2014
London High Court Ban Free Abortion For NI Women
The London High Court has ruled that Northern Ireland women are not legally allowed free abortions on the NHS in England. The decision was made after a case was brought by two women who started a legal challenge against the current rule.
15 November 2007
Women 'Do Not Exercise Enough'
British women are not exercising enough, according to new research. According to research published by the Women's Sport and Fitness Foundation (WSFF), more than 80% of women are not exercising enough to benefit their health.
11 March 2004
Scheme launched to reduce population of women in custody
A three-year government programme has been unveiled today which has been designed to tackle women's offending and reduce the number of women in prison.
19 August 2014
New Data Shows Women Hit By 'Mid-Life Pay Crisis'
Female managers over 40 years old are earning 35% less than men, according to new data by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and XpertHR. To earn the same as a male manager over a career, a woman would have to work the equivalent of over 14 years more.