THE Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital Trust says it will not disclose any details of its investigation into accusations of sexual misconduct against former chief executive Mark Brandreth.

This, according to a statement posted on the Trust’s website on Wednesday, February 21, is to protect the testimonies given by people who have come forward to make complaints against Mr Brandreth between April 2016 and August 2021.

A report by the Health Service Journal said that the Trust has recommended to NHS England that Mr Brandreth be considered "not fit and proper" to be on an NHS board.

Mr Brandreth has issued a media statement in which he has 'strongly denied' the allegations, which he says have left him 'shocked and saddened'.  

He also labelled them "unfounded and malicious" and said he had "always acted with integrity and professionalism during his time as the trust's chief executive".

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The statement said: “The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is aware of an article published in the media today regarding an independent investigation carried out into the behaviour of a former member of staff.

“The Trust will not disclose any details concerning any investigation it undertakes into issues raised from disclosures through the Freedom To Speak Up process, or any similar process related to an individual.

“To do so would be to breach its statutory and common law duties to protect an individual’s personal data and privacy.”

According to HSJ, around 12 women gave evidence to the investigation and that Mr Brandreth, who left to work for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin CCG, disputes the allegations.

Stacey Keegan, chief executive of the Trust, said: “We take our obligations to protect personal data and privacy very seriously and as a result we have no comment to make about individuals.

“As a Trust we are committed to supporting all individuals who speak up about sexual safety and improper conduct.

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“The Board have recently strengthened our own internal procedures as a result of the Fit and Proper Persons Test Framework and also the Sexual Safety Charter, supporting the implementation of this NHS England Charter in the Trust.”

The Trust added that it will not be issuing any further comment on this matter.

An NHS England spokesperson said: “These allegations are shocking, and it is right that issues affecting the safety of staff at work are taken seriously.  

“The NHS has recently reminded senior leaders that NHS boards must do everything possible to ensure concerns by staff can be easily raised and immediately acted on and strengthened how background checks are conducted for senior staff.

“NHS England was not aware of any concerns before this individual temporarily joined the organisation in 2020 during the pandemic.

“We would encourage anyone with any concerns to speak to their local Freedom to Speak Up Guardian.”