DAVID BRITTEN SUSSEX NURSE ACCUSED OF ABUSING UP TO 135 WOMEN AT LONDON CLINIC

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the healthcare community, allegations have emerged that David Britten, a senior nurse from Sussex, may have sexually abused as many as 135 women and teenage girls at an NHS anorexic treatment facility in London. The allegations span several years, with victims ranging from adolescents to adult women, all of whom sought help for severe eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.

According to reports, Britten, aged 53, used his position as clinic manager to manipulate and exploit vulnerable patients. His misconduct was only uncovered after two women in his care confided in each other about their inappropriate relationships with him, revealing a pattern of grooming and sexual misconduct that had persisted for years. The trust overseeing the clinic responded by suspending Britten, but he resigned before facing formal disciplinary action. An independent investigation later confirmed the allegations, leading to Britten being struck off the medical register in July 2004 after being found guilty of eight charges of misconduct at the now-closed Peter Dally Clinic in Pimlico, London.

Despite the disciplinary measures, concerns remain that many more women may have fallen victim to Britten’s predatory behavior. The health trust responsible for the clinic has taken the unusual step of reaching out to 135 women who may have been in contact with him since 1999, offering counseling and support services. The trust’s officials have acknowledged that the full extent of Britten’s abuse may never be fully known, as many victims have yet to come forward.

One victim, identified only as Miss A, recounted her experience of being manipulated by Britten into believing he was her boyfriend in addition to being her therapist. Now in her mid-thirties, Miss A first sought treatment as a teenager and described how Britten’s reputation as an eating disorder expert drew her in. She explained, “He held the whole clinic in his grip. There were queues of women waiting to see him because he went out of his way to make you feel special. He was charismatic. Everyone had heard of him as an eating disorder specialist, so I was in awe. He exploited that. He would lock the door, and it would become sexual. He claimed he was doing it to help me overcome my body image issues. This went on for ten years. None of my family knew.”

The Central North West London NHS Trust stated that the letter sent to former patients was intended to offer counseling and to inform them that an inquiry into the matter was nearing completion. They also admitted that they could not rule out the possibility that other victims had yet to come forward. A spokesperson said, “The letter aims to give advance notice that the inquiry findings will be made public. It is also possible that the letter may result in additional patients coming forward.”

Legal experts and advocates have expressed outrage over the delay in addressing these allegations. Sarah Harman, a solicitor specializing in abuse cases, commented, “This is long overdue. The evidence I have obtained suggests that David Britten’s abuse was far more widespread than just those women who have come forward. I suspect these incidents go back many years. It is crucial that we uncover the full extent of his misconduct and hold the health authorities accountable for their failure to protect vulnerable patients. This case highlights the dangers of allowing individuals like Britten, who gained undue influence over vulnerable women, to operate unchecked.”

As the investigation continues, the community remains shaken by the revelations, and many are calling for increased safeguards to prevent similar abuses in the future. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and accountability within healthcare institutions, especially when dealing with highly vulnerable populations.