The Bustamante Hospital for Children has responded to the alleged rape of a six-year old girl by an 11-year-old HIV-positive patient.
In last Wednesday STAR, it was reported that the boy and the girl were both patients at the hospital at the time of the incident, which occurred some weeks ago. The girl made a report to relatives while she was still a patient at the hospital. The matter was then reported to the hospital's authority and the police.
The boy however will not be charged since he is under the age of 12, and the law states that children under 12 cannot be charged with a criminal offence. The parents of the girl could however file a civil suit against the hospital's authority for negligence.
Report filed
In response to the alleged rape, The hospital has referred the matter to CAMP Bustamante, which is the Child Abuse Mitigation Project. A report was also filed with the Office of the Children's Registry in keeping with established procedures and the Child Care and Protection Act 2004.
In addition, the police are carrying out investigation into the matter and the hospital is cooperating fully with the probe.
Hospital officials have interviewed both children and the alleged victim has been thoroughly examined by medical personnel.
Every effort is being made and the necessary precaution taken to protect the health and well-being of the alleged victim.
The Bustamante Hospital for Children wishes to assure the public of our commitment to providing the highest level of health care in an environment that ensures the safety and security of our patients.
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