A healthcare worker has told ITV News that a paedophile prisoner was allowed to be in close proximity to children whilst being treated at Guernsey’s Princess Elizabeth Hospital.
The allegations include that he waved at children just metres away from his private room.
The healthcare worker does not wish to be identified but was so concerned with the lack of security that they have decided to speak out.
They claim: “A prison officer was with him in the first instance. But after treatment, he was left without an escort – the reason provided was that he was essentially immobile.
“However, following physio treatment, he was taking himself to the toilet and walking around, but his private room wasn’t locked and he had access to an open ward.
“There were no physical restraints and no prison guards at all during the time.
“During a weekend when visitors could freely come and go, a young family passed his room, and he stood up and waved at the children.”
When a prisoner is moved to Guernsey’s hospital for treatment, risk assessments must be carried out, the number of escorts chosen, and healthcare staff should be informed of the inmate’s offending history, including any requirements.
In a statement, Deputy Marc Leadbeater, President of the island’s Home Affairs Committee, said: “I am reassured that the safeguards put in place by the Prison Service in the hospital were appropriate to manage any potential risk.
“This included the fact that the individual was accommodated in a single room to minimise any interaction with the public, and needed assistance to move around.
“We have not been made aware of any inappropriate interactions or incidents, and the management of the prisoner in hospital is believed to have been successful.”
The inmate has since passed away and, following the procedure for any prisoner’s death in Guernsey, there will now be a review into the protocols followed.
The concerns raised will form part of this investigation.
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