An Indian-origin surgeon has been charged in connection with allegations of sexual assault at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in Lancashire, north-west England, announced the local police force.
Amal Bose, 54, was suspended by the National Health Service (NHS) trust managing the hospital after it reported to the police in March last year about several allegations of sexual assault from employees. Following an investigation and consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Bose was charged on Friday and released on bail. He is set to appear at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on June 7.
“Amal Bose (3/02/1970), of Thurnham near Lancaster, has been charged with 14 counts of Sexual Assault Contrary to Section 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003 relating to six female victims,” Lancashire Police stated.
“The alleged offending occurred between 2017 and 2022. Some of the counts encompass more than one incident. The alleged victims were all members of staff at Blackpool Victoria Hospital,” the statement added.
“We were contacted by the hospital on Tuesday 14th of March last year, who reported to us a number of allegations of sexual assault on employees at the Trust. Following an investigation and after consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service we have now charged a man,” the police stated.
Before the complaints, Bose was head of the cardiovascular surgery department at the hospital.
“The Trust can confirm that a former member of staff has been charged with offences of sexual assault,” said a spokesperson for the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which manages the hospital.
“The Trust has been working with Lancashire Constabulary and cooperating fully with their investigation. I want to reassure patients and their families that the hospital remains a safe and caring environment and the provision of services continues as normal,” the spokesperson assured.
Bob Blackman MP speaks during the event