One Patient Sexually Assaulted While Unconscious Reveals Impact Ordeal Has Had On Life

A woman sexually assaulted by a hospital nurse jailed for filming up the gowns of unconscious patients has revealed the “horrifying” impact the ordeal has had her on her life.

Paul Grayson videoed four women as they recovered from surgery at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield. The nurse, who a judge said was “fixated by sex” and had “brought shame” on his profession, also recorded five female colleagues using the toilet at the hospital. 

Grayson, 51, of Sheffield, was jailed for 12 years, after admitting 23 sex offences. 

Survivors of Paul Grayson abuse instruct lawyers 

Expert lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have been instructed by a number of patients and staff at the hospital who were filmed by Grayson to help them access the specialist support they require to try and come to terms with what happened to them. None can be named for legal reasons.

One of those Irwin Mitchell is supporting, a patient who was filmed while recovering from surgery, has now joined lawyers in welcoming Grayson’s sentence.

Lawyer welcomes sentence handed out following abhorrent hospital abuse

Joe Matchett, an expert lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who represents survivors of abuse, said: “The abuse that Grayson subjected patients and staff to and the calculating manner in which he carried it out is nothing short of abhorrent. 

“This was an abuse of a position of trust in the worst possible way. We welcome the sentence and hope it acts as a warning that perpetrators will be caught and the authorities will deal with such cases in the toughest manner. 

“While nothing can make up for what survivors have been through we’re now determined to help support them access the specialist support and therapies they require to try and come to terms with what happened the best they can. 

“They have shown bravery in coming forward and it’s vital that survivors of abuse don’t suffer in silence.” 

Sheffield hospital abuse

Grayson, who had more than 25 years’ experience as a nurse, also filmed two other young women with hidden cameras. They were not connected to the Royal Hallamshire. 

His offending came to light when one of these women became suspicious. Files were discovered on Grayson’s computer. 

Grayson was arrested in December 2020 and was immediately suspended from work, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust which runs the Royal Hallamshire, previously said in a statement.

Video showed Grayson, wearing his scrubs and with a name badge, installing the hidden cameras.

Patient reveals impact abuse has had on life

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons said: “The first I knew of what had happened was when the police approached me following Grayson’s arrest. 

“It’s almost impossible to put into words the emotions and anger I felt at this point. You go into hospital thinking you’re going to receive the best care possible and put your trust in the staff. To think I was taken advantage of in the cruellest way imaginable is devastating. 

“Even now it’s still incredibly difficult to try and come to terms with what happened to me. My life has totally changed. Before I was confident and outgoing but now I’m a lot more reserved and stay in as much as possible. I have trouble sleeping and when I do I often have nightmares. I’m also fearful of what may happen if I need to undergo further medical procedures in the future. 

“As if what happened to me wasn’t bad enough, to think that there are others in a similar situation is horrifying. 

“I’m just so glad that Grayson is now behind bars and hopefully patients are now safe.” 

Grayson pleaded guilty to 14 charges of voyeurism, three sexual assaults, one charge of upskirting, one of taking indecent images of a child, one of installing recording equipment for the purposes of sexual gratification and three of possessing indecent images of children.

Grayson was also told he would be subject to an extended licence period of four years when he is eventually released.

Find out more about our expertise in supporting survivors of abuse at our dedicated abuse and criminal injuries section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.