Ernest Paul Cruz, a former nurse at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of sexual assault and assault by penetration for an incident in July 2023. The 38-year-old must register as a sex offender and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order. The victim reported the assault to a colleague the next day and later gave evidence at trial. The hospital trust apologised and says it has strengthened its chaperone policy.
Ex-Nurse Ernest Paul Cruz Jailed for Seven Years After Sexually Assaulting Patient at Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Ernest Paul Cruz, 38, has been jailed for seven years [Dorset Police]
A former nurse, Ernest Paul Cruz, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a female patient while working at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
Sentence and Court Findings
At Bournemouth Crown Court earlier this year Cruz, 38, was found guilty of sexual assault and assault by penetration relating to an incident in July 2023. On the day of sentencing the court also ordered that he be placed on the sex offenders register and be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim.
What Happened
Dorset Police said the victim, a woman in her 30s, attended the Royal Bournemouth Hospital's emergency department in July 2023 after becoming unwell. After an initial assessment she was moved to another room and left alone with Cruz. The nurse told staff the patient needed to change and assisted in removing her clothing; police say he then touched her inappropriately and sexually assaulted her.
Reporting and Investigation
The woman reported the assault to a female colleague the following day. Police were notified, Cruz was arrested later that day and was subsequently charged. The victim gave evidence at trial.
Det Con Jordan Hopkins, of Dorset Police, said the victim had "shown immense courage in coming forward to disclose what happened to her, support our investigation and give evidence during the trial." He added: "I hope the bravery she has shown gives strength to other victims of sexual offences and encourages them to come forward... victims will be supported and we will do all we can to ensure perpetrators are held to account."
Employment and Trust Response
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust confirmed Cruz had worked in its emergency department from 2021 until his suspension in 2023, after which he was dismissed. Sarah Herbert, the trust's chief nursing officer, offered a formal apology to the victim and her family and said the trust had "strengthened" its chaperone policy to provide better protection for patients.
This case highlights concerns about patient safety and the importance of clear safeguarding and chaperone procedures in healthcare settings.
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