Community | July 16, 2008 | 10 comments

'Predatory' nurse targeted women with eating disorders

source: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article4344828.ece

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More than 20 vulnerable women battling eating disorders were manipulated into sexual relationships by a “predatory” senior nurse because of inadequate management by his NHS bosses, an investigation concluded today, the Times reports.

David Britten, former manager of the Peter Dally Clinic, in Westminster, preyed on at least 23 patients over a 20-year period before allegations of sexual misconduct emerged. They only came to light after the nurse - now 54 - was sacked by the centre for unrelated matters.

Alison McKenna, who chaired 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.”

Mr Britten was portrayed as a romantic hero among patients and staff - but in fact he was behaving like a paedophile, Sarah Harman, the lawyer representing some of the 23 victims, said. She added: “Their lives in some cases have been ruined by the way he behaved.”

Mr Britten has has not faced any criminal charges, with the Criminal Prosecution Service claiming there was insufficient evidence. The report also raised questions over four other members of staff at the clinic, all of whom left the centre in 2001.

How can this have gone unchecked for so long? And how can vulnerable patients be better protected from this kind of horrific abuse?

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