Police are investigating reports that a woman was sexually assaulted by a fellow patient at a north-east hospital.
The young woman was allegedly attacked by another patient at Cornhill Hospital last Tuesday.
Detectives are investigating the matter, and last night there were calls for an “urgent safety review” at the hospital.
Cornhill is the main treatment centre in the north-east for people with mental health problems, taking in adults and young patients aged 14-17 from across Grampian, as well Shetland and Orkney.
Last night, Aberdeen North MP said that if the reports were true action must be taken by the hospital to ensure there was not a repeat.
Kirsty Blackman said: “This is an awful and deeply disturbing allegation to hear of and I am concerned that a sexual assault could happen at a hospital so I’m calling for an urgent safety review at Cornhill.
“The first priority here has to be patient safety and wellbeing, and Cornhill must review all security measures and ensure steps are put in place to actively prevent attacks of this nature and protect vulnerable people.
“If these allegations are true then the victim must receive help and support straight away, and lessons have to be learnt to prevent another attack. There can be no excuse for sexual assault and it cannot be accepted in any circumstances, and I sincerely hope anyone with information on this alleged attack with speak to police urgently.”
The MP plans to arrange a meeting with hospital management in the near future.
Liam Kerr, North East MSP and the Tory’s justice spokesman, said: “The safety and security of patients at Cornhill Hospital must be an absolute priority at all times.
“This alleged incident raises questions about the measures that are in place. It should be investigated thoroughly.”
Police have confirmed that they are investigating a report of alleged sexual assault in the “Cornhill area”.
However at this stage no one has been charged or arrested.
It is understood a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal in the coming days.
NHS Grampian declined to comment for legal reasons and to protect individual patients’ identities.