Man Arrested After Female Patient Sexually Assaulted at Merseyside Hospital

A 63-year-old man from Liverpool is in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a female patient at Whiston Hospital in Prescot, Merseyside.

Merseyside Police said the assault occurred shortly before 4 a.m. BST on Friday inside the hospital, prompting an immediate response from officers. The suspect was detained at the scene and remains in custody for questioning.

Authorities have not disclosed the patient's condition, but hospital officials confirmed that support services have been made available to the victim. The incident has raised concerns about patient safety, particularly for vulnerable individuals in emergency or inpatient wards.

“We take reports of sexual assault extremely seriously, and our investigation is ongoing,” a police spokesperson said. “We are working closely with hospital staff to ensure the safety of all patients and to understand the circumstances surrounding this incident.”

Whiston Hospital, part of the Merseyside and Cheshire health system, has implemented temporary security enhancements, including increased patrols and restricted access to certain areas, while the investigation continues. A yellow police van was visible on the hospital grounds for much of Friday.

This case adds to a broader national discussion about the risks of sexual violence in healthcare settings. Recent data from the NHS shows a rise in reported incidents of sexual assault against patients, prompting calls for better surveillance and training for staff.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Merseyside Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.

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