800 Families Have Been Contacted After Child Cancer Surgeon Myles Bradbury Pleads Guilty To Sexual Abuse
Expert abuse lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have welcomed the decision made by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust to contact 800 families after child cancer specialist Myles Bradbury pleaded guilty to sexually abusing young boys when he worked at Addenbrooke’s Hospital between 2009 and 2013.The Trust has confirmed it has informed all former patients and their families of the offences committed by the former paediatric haematologist, who also held clinics in Colchester and Ipswich, to allow those affected to receive the help and support they need.
Irwin Mitchell, which opened an office in Cambridge in June, has a dedicated abuse team that specialises in helping victims gain support from specialist services. The leading law firm has today said that whilst it welcomes the thorough recall, it is investigating cases of a similar nature and that it is vital the NHS Trust investigates how it was possible for the abuse on such a large scale to happen to ensure the same scandal cannot happen again.
The team acts for a number of patients abused by Wooton Bassett GP Davinder Jeet Bains, who was jailed last year for a number of offences including filming himself sexually abusing female patients through a hidden camera in his watch.
Myles Bradbury was suspended in November 2013 after a complaint about his behaviour and conduct, with 18 individuals coming forward after his suspension to make allegations against him. Earlier this week, during a hearing at Cambridge Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to 25 offences including sexual assault and the possession of more than 16,000 indecent images of boys aged between 8 and 17.
Luke Daniels, a Partner and specialist abuse lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said:
Expert Opinion
Sadly the nature of the abuse by Myles Bradbury is not a one-off and we have been instructed to investigate abuse suffered by a large number of patients who were taken advantage of by the very people who were meant to be providing them with care.
“This latest case is another shocking example of those in trusted positions taking advantage of their access to young and vulnerable patients.
“We welcome this thorough recall by the Trust as it is vital that all of those cared for by Bradbury are aware of his actions and are supported to report any concerns they may have about the care provided to them.
“It is also vital that the Trust makes public any findings of its own internal investigations so that patients can be reassured that steps are being taken to ensure the same level of abuse on such a horrific scale cannot happen again.
“The priority now is ensuring those affected by this case are given access to the help and support they need to overcome the psychological and physical impact of the abuse they suffered, as these long-lasting effects of sexual abuse can impact victims for the rest of their lives.” Luke Daniels - Partner