Twelve trusts face fresh allegations relating to Jimmy Savile

Twelve NHS trusts have been contacted about fresh allegations of abuse by Jimmy Savile, bringing the total number of trusts involved in the scandal to 41.

The new allegations have come to light since June, when investigative reports into Savile’s actions at 28 other trusts were released, the health secretary revealed in written statement.

Jeremy Hunt said the NHS Savile Legacy Unit, an independent unit which provides oversight of investigations into abuse by the former DJ on NHS premises, passed on information from victims and the Metropolitan Police to the trusts. Nine of the hospitals and health services had not featured in earlier inquiries.

The new nine new trusts/hospitals are:

• The Birch Hill Hospital, Rochdale
• Scott House Hospital, Rochdale
• Bethlem Royal Hospital, South London
• Shenley Hospital, North West London
• West Yorkshire Ambulance Service
• St Martin's Hospital, Canterbury
• Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead
• Meanwood Park Hospital, Leeds
• Calderdale Royal Hospital, Huddersfield

They join three others where investigations were already ongoing regarding similar claims; Leeds Infirmary, Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire and the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle.

Not all the hospitals mentioned are still in existence, including Shenley psychiatric hospital and Meanwood Park, while others have changed function.

The allegations at Scott House Hospital relate to a period the site served as a children's home. And Calderdale Royal Hospital is built on the site of the former Halifax Royal Infirmary where the alleged abuse took place.

The minister said that for those hospitals that have closed case details of the allegations will be passed on to the legacy organisation.

Tracey Storey, a specialist lawyer who is representing some of Savile's victims, told the Independent: “It is incredibly worrying to see more concerns related to Savile emerge and it is vital that authorities work quickly to fully investigate these new allegations.

"The extent of the abuse highlighted by previous and ongoing investigations has been truly horrifying, and the revelation of further allegations raises even more concerns regarding his activities and how he was able to offend over a number of years."

In light of the new claims, prosecutors have asked for outstanding reports to be delayed until later in the year, Hunt said. There will also be a delay to the publication of investigations into alleged abuse by Savile in children's homes and schools, which are overseen by the Department for Education.

In the reports published in June, Savile was branded an “opportunistic sexual predator” and said Savile used the NHS and his celebrity status to "exploit and abuse" patients and staff.

(Image: c. Lewis Whyld PA Wire)

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