Stafford Police charged Spencer with 15 counts of sexual assault, 17 counts of assault by penetration, nine counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, three counts of assault a child under 13 by penetration and one count of attempted assault by penetration.

A 38-year-old man was arrested in December 2021 as part of an investigation into sexual offences at Royal Stoke University Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent and Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley.

In a joint statement, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust and Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust said: ‘We cannot comment on an ongoing criminal process but would like to reassure the public that the safety and well-being of our patients and their relatives are our highest priority.'

An update on actions to prevent sexual misconduct was issued by NHSE following the news.

The update said every trust and ICB had a policy in place or was in the process of adopting one with 76% having implemented anonymous reporting for staff who wish to speak up about sexual misconduct in the workplace.

The audit also detailed actions for trusts and ICBs to deliver ‘further focus and consistency' in some parts of the NHS.

Primary care providers were urged to sign up to the 10 principles in the Sexual Safety Charter.

ICBs were given until 2 February 2026 to offer support to primary care providers in completing the self-assurance checklist.

A review will be carried out by NHSE on how many providers have confirmed completion by 31 March 2026.