News Walthamstow

Walthamstow student nurse accused of raping vulnerable patient

Safeguarding at the mental health hospital has since been increased
By Local Democracy Reporter Josh Mellor

The main reception of Goodmayes Hospital in Ilford (Google Streetview)
The main reception of Goodmayes Hospital in Ilford (Google Streetview)

A student nurse from Walthamstow is accused of raping a vulnerable patient in an east London mental health hospital.

Ige Apata, 42, will stand trial in March, charged with three counts of rape and two counts of sexual touching at Goodmayes Hospital in Redbridge earlier this year.

The alleged crimes are said to have taken place in a part of the hospital that treats highly vulnerable in-patients, such as those that present an acute risk to themselves or have physical health needs.

The alleged crimes were discussed earlier this month at a board meeting of the North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT), which runs the hospital.

At the meeting, board members were told the trust had responded to the allegations by increasing the amount of safeguarding staff on the ward.

A NELFT spokesperson said: “The priority of our team is to ensure the safety of our patients. 

“We are working closely with the Met police as part of their investigation and continue to offer close support to our service users, their families and our staff.”

Apata, of Higham Hill Road, was charged in March and will appear before a jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 21st March.


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