25.5.2000

Edward Davey comments on Kingston Hospital allegations

Edward Davey's comments on the allegations made by a former undercover reporter based upon his work as a care assistant at Kingston Hospital.

"In the light of this reporter's allegations, I have asked Kingston Hospital's Chief Executive to review the hospital's security procedures to ensure that their checks on full time and agency staff are sufficiently thorough.   In this instance, I have been assured that this reporter provided genuine references to the agency that supplied him to the hospital.

Nevertheless, I am concerned that he has made allegations which suggest he carried out tasks which were not in keeping with the very junior responsibilities of his position.

However, I understand his story still has to be clarified by his solicitor and Kingston Hospital is yet to receive any evidence to support his claims.

If and when this evidence is received, I expect the Hospital to provide me with a full report on this matter."