Woman Among Group Of Survivors Who Have Asked Experts To Help Them Access Specialist Support

A woman sexually abused by a nurse who videoed unconscious hospital patients has spoken of her determination to look to the future after lawyers secured her a settlement.

The woman was targeted by Paul Grayson after undergoing surgery at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield. She awoke without the underwear she had been wearing before the procedure. 

She contacted police who had recovered video of Grayson filming her. 

Sheffield nurse Paul Grayson jailed for 12 years following hospital sex offences

Grayson was jailed for 12 years in May 2022. The then 51-year-old, of Sheffield, had pleaded guilty to 23 sex offences, including voyeurism, sexual assault and possessing indecent images of children. 

Grayson videoed four women as they recovered from surgery at the Royal Hallamshire as well as female colleagues using the toilet. 

Jailing him, a judge said Grayson was “fixated by sex” and branded him a disgrace to his profession. 

Women ask lawyers to support them in civil cases

Following the criminal case, the woman was among a group of survivors – including patients and hospital staff – who instructed expert lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help them access the specialist support they require in a civil case. 

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has now spoken of the impact the incident has had on her life. She has urged other survivors of abuse not to suffer in silence. 

Lawyers secure settlement for Grayson survivors

It comes after her legal team at Irwin Mitchell secured her an undisclosed out of court settlement from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The Hospital Trust denied liability.

Irwin Mitchell has also secured undisclosed out of court settlements for two other women targeted by Grayson. In those cases the Trust also denied liability. Lawyers are working with the Trust to resolve the other outstanding cases.

Joe Matchett, is a specialist lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who supports survivors of abuse.

Expert Opinion

“Grayson’s abhorrent and calculating crimes have a profound effect on those women he targeted.

“His actions were a terrible breach of a position of trust. Whilst he has been jailed, his actions continue to live with our clients who remain traumatised by what happened to them.

“Whilst nothing can ever make up for what they’ve been through, we’re determined to ensure they can access the specialist support and therapies they require to try to come to terms with what happened the best they can.

“We’re pleased that we’ve been able to secure a settlement in this case and continue to work with the Hospital Trust to ensure those we represent receive the support and justice they deserve.” Joe Matchett

Paul Grayson: Sheffield nurse abuse background

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 those women became suspicious. Files were then 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.

Hospital patient's determination to look to the future after receiving settlement

The woman suffers from ongoing mental health issues, poor sleep, flashbacks, and nightmares. She is also apprehensive and traumatised by the thought of  undergoing further medical treatment under sedation. 

The woman said: “It’s almost impossible to put into words the emotions and anger I continue to feel about what happened, not only to me, but to others. 

“I went into hospital focused on my procedure and on receiving the care I needed. To find out a sick individual abused me and others for his own gratification is devastating. 

“Since then, my mental health has taken a real downturn. While I’ve tried to forget about what happened and blank it out, I’ve not been able to. It’s remained with me and has affected my day-to-day life for years. 

“I don’t feel safe going out. I have issues in trusting new people and am also fearful of what may happen, if I need to undergo further medical procedures. 

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

“While nothing can turn the clock back and I know I face challenges, I want to try and start looking to the future and reclaim more of my life. I just hope that, by speaking out, I can help others who have been abused to find the strength to report what happened to them.”

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.