More hospitals may be investigated as part of inquiries into sexual abuse by Jimmy Savile on NHS premises, Jeremy Hunt has announced.
New information has come to light relating to investigations across 13 institutions as well as “reference to other hospitals”, the Health Secretary said.
He has asked police to review all of the evidence before relevant information is passed on to investigators “as quickly as possible”.
Investigations were launched into activities at Broadmoor, Stoke Mandeville andLeeds General Infirmary following the abuse revelations last year, along withinquiries at 10 other trusts.
But further “relevant information” regarding the presenter’s activities has emerged, the Department of Health said.
Mr Hunt said any hospitals involved would be named once the review of the new potential evidence had been completed.
“We understand the material includes information about hospitals where investigations are already under way and reference to other hospitals,” he said in a statement to Parliament
“Once this review is complete, the information will be passed on to the relevant trusts or investigations as quickly as possible.”
The final reports of the current investigations are now expected to be finished by next June.
He added: “Although all 13 investigations are currently on track, this additional material means that the timetable will be affected.
“It is vital that the final NHS investigation reports are thorough and complete and reflect all the evidence about Jimmy Savile’s pattern of offending.”