Latest news with #TŷHafanChildren'sHospice
Wales Online
24-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Nurse struck off after sick actions towards children in hospice
Nurse struck off after sick actions towards children in hospice Karen Elizabeth Allen's 'deplorable' actions took place while she was working as a registered nurse at Tŷ Hafan children's hospice in Sully Ty Hafan opened in 1999 (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) A Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice nurse who flicked a vulnerable child's penis when they were "bound to a wheelchair" and "defenceless" has been banned from the profession. Registered children's nurse Karen Elizabeth Allen was also found to have repeatedly soaked the child, who was non-verbal, with water. In another incident she pulled another vulnerable child's underpants up so high that they were uncomfortable. Her actions were "cruel and degrading" as well as "sexual in nature" a professional standards committee found. Striking Allen off the register the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) panel said she had put vulnerable patients at risk of physical and emotional harm and brought the profession into disrepute. Finding a raft of serious allegations against the registered children's nurse proved the panel found she had shown no insight into her "deplorable" actions . An investigation was launched at the hospice in Sully, Vale of Glamorgan, after colleagues raised concerns. Article continues below The NMC received a referral in October 2023 by the hospice's director of nursing and clinical services who admitted to the panel that she 'had concerns' about the ability of staff to 'recognise and come forward and report safeguarding concerns'. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. Describing what happened a colleague of Allen's told the hearing: "'We changed his pad, gave him a wash, put on a clean pad, and that is when she flicked his penis. "The patient is also non-verbal and cannot do anything for themselves because they require help with everything due to their physical immobility. "The patient was bound to a wheelchair and was not able to feed or change themselves. They are defenceless and were not able to protect themself." The colleague, identified as a healthcare worker and Witness Two, went on to say that she had seen Allen "flick" the child's penis "without clinical justification". Allen had also engaged in water play with the same child but repeatedly soaked them even when they wanted to stop. Allen also "repeatedly" gave another vulnerable child "wedgies", pulling up their underpants uncomfortably high, she said. The children's hospice healthcare worker told the committee: "[Allen] came to help me to clean a patient. "Once I cleaned the patient she flicked his willy and just laughed. I asked Ms Allen: 'Why did you do that?'. "I then looked at the patient and said: 'Oh that was a silly thing for her to do. Wasn't it silly?'." She went on: "iI's not a slip of your finger is it? It's a very evident flick. His penis moved. It jumped.' The hearing was also told how Allen, who qualified in 2007, repeatedly gave Child A "proper wedgies" after they were changed. The panel asked how the child reacted to that and the healthcare worker told them: "When she had first done it he most probably would have just had his little smile bless him. But as time went on, it was uncomfortable" Asked to describe "proper wedgies" she went on: "It's just pulling the [underwear] right up, I suppose towards your nipple line, as far up as the fabric will take it which is most probably uncomfortable. " In the water incident Child A had initially enjoyed being soaked with water but not as Allen continued after they were changed repeatedly into dry clothes and soaked again, the committee heard. Asked why she didn't report her concerns sooner the witness told the panel she feared not being believed and having to leave the job she loved. She added: 'It was just her words against mine.… I'm a healthcare worker. "She's a nurse. Were people going to believe me?" In its written findings the panel determined that "the incident and safeguarding reporting culture in the hospice was not very good at the time". Finding it proven that Allen had flicked Child C's penis the panel also found this to be cruel, degrading, and sexual in nature. The committee said vulnerable patients were put "at risk of physical and emotional harm as a result of Ms Allen's actions". A number of other allegations relating to comments and inferences made by Allen to colleagues were found not proved. But the main allegations found proved and relating to vulnerable children were so serious as to amount to misconduct and resulted in a ban. Allen gave oral evidence at the start of the hearing but then chose not to attend for the conclusion. In its written findings the NMC panel said she "disputed" the evidence that she had "flicked" Child C's penis. She also claimed that water play took place, which Child A enjoyed and was engaged with. Responding to the allegations she had given another vulnerable child uncomfortable wedgies Allen to the panel: "'I would come up behind him and gently tug on his belt loop [tugging it out not up] and walk away laughing. "If at any time he did have wedgies it was not my intent. To my recollection not at any time did he express any sign of discomfort or annoyance.' In written findings the committee said: "The panel was of the view that the findings in this particular case demonstrate that Ms Allen's actions were serious in that they relate to sexual misconduct and the abuse of vulnerable children. The panel judged that to allow her to continue practising would undermine public confidence in the profession and in the NMC as a regulatory body." The committee added: "Nothing short of a striking-off order would be sufficient in this case." The full list of allegations against Allen found proved by the NMC panel That on one or more occasions across the course of a period of a year she: Gave Child A 'wedgies' by pulling his underpants up so high that they were uncomfortable. Engaged in water play with Child A and repeatedly soaked Child A after each dry change of clothes.. That her conduct at point one was abusive in that it was cruel and/or degrading to Child A. This was found proven in relation to charge point 1a alone in respect of degrading alone. And hat on one or more occasion across the course of a period of a year she flicked Child C's penis without clinical justification and that this conduct was abusive in that it was cruel and/or degrading to Child C. This conduct was also found proved to be sexual in nature. The panel found allegations that she had thrown food at and "straddled" Child A not proven. Also found not proven were allegations that Allen's conduct in flicking Child C's penis had been bullying and deliberately aimed a making a colleague feel uncomfortable and that she had made comments about colleagues' weight, clothes, and haircuts. Allen, who was said to have left the hospice and is no longer be working as a nurse, had shown no insight into her actions and the panel did not believe her misconduct could be addressed through training, the committee said. While she had attended some parts of the hearing, which ran from February 25 to 11 March 11 and then from June 18 to June 19, given oral evidence, and questioned witnesses, she told the panel she would not return for the later hearings or conclusion. Finding such serious allegations and misconduct proved the panel slapped an an interim suspension order on Allen's registration for 18 months to allow time for any possible appeal. If she does not appeal then that interim suspension order will be replaced by the substantive striking off order 28 days after Allen is sent the decision of the hearing in writing. Tŷ Hafan chief executive Irfon Rees said in response to the case the hospice has carried out a thorough internal review of safeguarding and made improvements to safeguarding processes. He added: 'While we do not comment on individual cases involving children we can confirm that a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) hearing has taken place resulting in allegations of misconduct against a nurse who was employed by Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice having been proven. The nurse is no longer employed by Tŷ Hafan." He added: 'As soon as concerns were raised about the conduct of the nurse in question our care and nursing leadership team acted promptly to conduct a thorough internal investigation, which resulted in Tŷ Hafan proactively referring this matter to the NMC. 'We had also discussed the matter with the safeguarding team at the Vale of Glamorgan Council, including representatives from South Wales Police, and referred the matter to Healthcare Inspectorate Wales. 'The investigation conducted by the NMC found some historical issues in relation to the recognition and reporting of safeguarding concerns. Since we referred the case to the NMC we have conducted a thorough internal review of our approach to safeguarding. "We have proactively implemented improvements to safeguarding processes and worked hard to promote a culture which supports staff to report safeguarding concerns. Our good safeguarding practices were recognised in our recent inspection report from Healthcare Inspectorate Wales. Article continues below 'For Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice, the safety and wellbeing of the children we care for is always our biggest priority and we are confident that we have an extremely robust approach to safeguarding in place to protect them. 'We would like to thank all those who have supported this process. Our priority now is to continue providing the highest standard of care for children and families who need our support."
Arab Times
24-06-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Princess Kate speaks out following missed Royal Ascot appearance
LONDON, June 21: Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, has released her first public statement following her last-minute decision not to attend the 2025 Royal Ascot. The Princess, who is currently recovering from cancer treatment, was initially scheduled to appear at the prestigious annual horse racing event, marking what would have been her return after missing the event in 2024. In a statement issued on Friday, Kate shifted focus to her ongoing patronage work, highlighting the critical role of children's hospices across the United Kingdom. As Patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales, she emphasized the profound challenges faced by families with seriously ill children. 'No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life,' the Princess wrote. 'Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heartbroken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated.' She continued, 'Being able to access the support of one of the U.K.'s 54 children's hospices means they don't have to face that future alone.' Reflecting on her visits to the hospices she supports, Kate said, 'Lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing, they support children and families through life, death and beyond.' Although her attendance at Royal Ascot was confirmed earlier, the Princess withdrew from the event on the same day. A source told People magazine that Kate was "disappointed not to attend" and noted that she is still in the process of finding the right balance as she gradually returns to public duties following her cancer treatment.
Courier-Mail
20-06-2025
- Health
- Courier-Mail
Kate breaks silence after abruptly cancelling Ascot appearance
Don't miss out on the headlines from Royals. Followed categories will be added to My News. IN LONDON The Princess of Wales has released a heartfelt statement just days after pulling out of Royal Ascot at the last minute. Kate, 43, released a personal note on Friday, UK, speaking about the life-changing work of children's hospices. Royal-watchers were left disappointed earlier this week after it emerged that she'd had to cancel her scheduled appearance in the royal carriage procession alongside the King, Queen and Prince William at the iconic raceground, after also missing it last year due to her cancer treatment. In her statement on Friday, which was shared in honour of the UK's Children's Hospice Week, the princess expressed her gratitude for the vital care provided by those working with sick children. 'No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life,' Kate wrote. 'Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heartbroken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated. 'Being able to access the support of one of the UK's 54 children's hospices means they don't have to face that future alone.' The princess has been Royal Patron of East Anglia Children's Hospices for more than a decade, and this year also became the Royal Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales. 'As Patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales, I have the immense privilege of seeing for myself the extraordinary work of our children's hospices,' she said. 'Lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing, they support children and families through life, death and beyond. 'This Children's Hospice Week, I hope you will join me in celebrating the life-changing work they do and thanking them for the vital care they provide to children and families experiencing the most challenging times.' Despite being on a positive trajectory since announcing her gradual return to public duties following the completion of her chemotherapy, there were concerns on Wednesday when Kate pulled out of the racing event at the last minute. She had already been listed to travel in the second carriage of the royal procession, alongside her husband. However, a short time later it was confirmed by Kensington Palace that Kate would not be attending, with local media reporting she was 'disappointed' but was having to 'find the right balance as she fully returns to public facing engagements'. It came after a busy week for the Princess of Wales, who attended a series of events including Trooping the Colour, in the days leading up to Ascot. Back in January, she revealed she was in remission from cancer, which she had first publicly disclosed last March. Last September, she released an emotional video message, featuring personal footage of herself with William and their three children, opening up about the challenges they'd all been privately battling – but also proudly announced she had completed her treatment. Originally published as Kate breaks silence after abruptly cancelling Ascot appearance
Scottish Sun
20-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Kate breaks silence after pulling out of Ascot to share poignant message about kids with ‘serious health conditions'
KATE SPEAKS OUT Kate breaks silence after pulling out of Ascot to share poignant message about kids with 'serious health conditions' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PRINCESS Kate has spoken out in celebration of the "life-changing work" of children's hospice staff. The Princess of Wales, 43, pulled out of her only appearance at Royal Ascot on Wednesday as aides balance her return to full time duty after her cancer diagnosis. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Kate was spotted alongside the family attending Trooping the Colour earlier this week Credit: Getty 6 The princess has slowly been returning to royal duties after going into remission in January Credit: Getty But she returned to work writing a personal message to mark the end of Children's Hospice Week. Kate is Royal Patron of East Anglia Children's Hospices (EACH), and in January this year became the Royal Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales. In a letter shared in social media she wrote: "No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life. "Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heart-broken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated. Royals news PECKING ORDER Sweet moment King Charles kisses Sarah Ferguson's hand at Royal Ascot "Being able to access the support of one of the UK's 54 children's hospices means they don't have to face that future alone. "As Patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales, I have the immense privilege of seeing for myself the extraordinary work of our children's hospices. "Lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing, they support children and families through life, death and beyond. "This Children's Hospice Week, I hope you will join me in celebrating the life-changing work they do and thanking them for the vital care they provide to children and families experiencing the most challenging times." 6 Her Royal Highness wrote the heartfelt message to mark Children's Hospice Week Credit: Instagram 6 The princess has been Royal Patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices since 2012 Credit: Instagram This comes after Kate pulled out of her Royal Ascot appearance last Wednesday. She was listed as arriving in the carriage procession with Prince William, however, moments later, the palace revealed that the mother-of-three had to drop out last minute to continue with her recovery. It is understood that Kate was "disappointed" not to go but has "to find the right balance" on returning to full time duty. Since announcing in January she is in remission, the princess has been gradually returning to public duties. Recent days have seen her attend Trooping the Colour and Order of the Garter, as well as making a visit to V&A East Storehouse last week. However, it is understood that Kate is trying to find the balance as she fully returns to public-facing engagements that have featured an element of flexibility since her cancer diagnosis in March 2024. Prince William was spotted putting on a brave face in his wife's absence, as he drank beer and joked with fellow royals. He was seen greeting others in the grandstand and cheering on horses and jockeys during a sunny day two of racing. Other royals in attendance at this year's Ascot include King Charles and Queen Camilla, who were spotted cheering on from the Royal Box, and Sarah Ferguson, alongside her daughter Princess Beatrice. The national Children's Hospice Week is led by children's palliative care charity Together for Short Lives and the event is dedicated to raising awareness of children's hospice services. Nick Carroll, CEO of Together for Short Lives, said about Kate: "Her ongoing support for Children's Hospice Week over many years has helped to raise much-needed awareness of the life-changing work children's hospices do, every day of the year. "Their extraordinary lifeline care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses enables families to make the most of their lives together, whether that's for years, months or only hours." 6 Kate stunned at Trooping the Colour this week as her and Charlotte wore matching teal dresses Credit: PA
South Wales Argus
12-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Tŷ Hafan 'doing excellent job', says inspection report
Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice, one of only two children's hospices in Wales, was assessed in October last year by a five-strong team from Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW). The inspection report, published in January, highlighted the "dedicated and skilled staff" at the hospice, as well as the "strong leadership" and "excellent culture." The inspectors found that the hospice provided "individualised care" and "dignified care" to its patients, as well as "good quality, nutritious food" and "bespoke activities." The hospice was also praised for its "excellent multi-disciplinary working" and "strong governance and audit programme." The inspectors spoke to families who use the hospice, who said that Tŷ Hafan had given them "a quality of life again" and that they "don't know where we would be without them." The families said that the hospice "only ever want the best for our children" and that "it feels like they are part of the family." Irfon Rees, Tŷ Hafan's chief executive (Image: Ty Hafan) Irfon Rees, Tŷ Hafan's chief executive, said: "HIW is the independent inspectorate and regulator of healthcare in Wales. "Last October a five-strong team from HIW undertook a two-day on site planned inspection of Tŷ Hafan to assess the quality of our work. "In January, HIW published 'Independent Healthcare Inspection Report (Announced) Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice, Sully'. "We shared the outcomes from this inspection with colleagues in February at our annual staff conference. "At Tŷ Hafan, we're proud of what we do and how we do it and grateful that our continual striving to deliver the highest possible standards of care and support for all has been formally recognised by HIW. "This latest HIW Inspection Report shows that families and professionals can have confidence in the services Tŷ Hafan provides, that we are committed to continuous quality improvement and that our staff are fulfilled and happy. "Ultimately this report shows that Tŷ Hafan is doing an excellent job in providing care and support for children with life-shortening conditions and their families, and, it is a great organisation to work for. "This is a testament to the hard work, dedication and care of all of my colleagues and I thank them all from the bottom of my heart." However, Mr Rees said that the hospice is "not resting on our laurels" and that there is "so much more to do." He said: "The publication in 2023 of our Prevalence and Complexity Report shows that currently we are only able to reach one in every ten children with a life-shortening condition who could benefit from our services. "Tŷ Hafan's ambition is that when a child's life will be short, no family should have to live it on their own. "We have so much more to do and I invite everyone to support us in whatever way they can so that we can reach every child and family who needs us." The hospice provides specialist palliative care, addressing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of each family member. From diagnosis to bereavement, Tŷ Hafan is there for the family as long as they need, through life, death, and beyond. Tŷ Hafan offers families end-of-life care and services such as family support, complementary therapy, music therapy, and outreach play both within the hospice and in the family home. A child and their family can be referred to Tŷ Hafan at the time of diagnosis, with care and support being provided throughout the course of the child's condition, which can be for many years. The children and young people who access Tŷ Hafan's services suffer from a broad range of conditions, many with profound and complex medical needs. Some of the conditions are so rare they haven't been named. For more information and to make a donation, go to
