Seven years in prison for former nurse who sexually assaulted patient after helping her undress

Ernest Paul Cruz, a former nurse in England, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for sexually assaulting a patient under his care at an NHS hospital.

The incident took place in July 2023, in a room at Royal Bournemouth Hospital. The woman, who is in her 30s, had gone to the hospital after feeling unwell and needing treatment, according to Dorset Police.

She was initially admitted to the emergency department before being transferred to another room, where she was left alone with Cruz. Investigators said he asked her to change her clothes and helped her undress. He then began touching her inappropriately and sexually assaulted her.

The following day, the woman told another nurse what had happened. Police were notified and Cruz was arrested that same day.

Following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court, the 38-year-old was found guilty of sexual assault and assault by penetration. At a hearing held at the same court on Monday, he was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Cruz was also placed on the sex offenders’ register. He was issued with a sexual harm prevention order, as well as an indefinite restraining order prohibiting him from approaching the victim.

The woman gave evidence during the trial. Detective Jordan Hopkins of Dorset Police praised her courage in reporting the incident and testifying in court. “She has shown extraordinary courage,” he said, expressing hope that her case would encourage other victims of sexual offences to come forward.

Cruz had been part of the hospital’s emergency department since 2021. He was suspended in 2023 and later dismissed.

Sarah Herbert, director of nursing at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, apologised to the victim and her family for the assault that occurred while the woman was under the institution’s care.

According to Herbert, the hospital has strengthened its policy on having a second person present during procedures involving patients, with the aim of ensuring that all patients are given proper protection.