![\"Royal-Commision](\"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/news\/files\/2015\/05\/Royal-Commision-internet-tile-400x280.jpg\")
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse today concluded its examination of a case in which a Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) patient was sexually abused while in our care in 1981.<\/p>\nThe Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse today concluded its examination of a case in which a Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) patient was sexually abused while in our care in 1981.<\/p>\n
Appearing before the Royal Commission earlier today, RCH CEO Professor Christine Kilpatrick explained the hospital’s framework of 24 policies and more than 400 procedures that define how we do our work at the RCH; and detailed those with specific relevance to the Commission case study.<\/p>\n
These policies and procedures include how we screen and recruit staff and volunteers, recognise and report suspected instances of abuse, and respond to issues raised by consumers.<\/p>\n
Professor Kilpatrick also acknowledged that the RCH is fortunate to have a strong volunteer workforce of more than 500 individuals who, like our staff, operate in accordance with this framework.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Peter McClellan said during the hearing that as an outcome of this process, other hospitals might be encouraged to benchmark against our hospital’s policies and procedures for the protection of children.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is clear that we failed our former patient, \u2018AWI\u2019, and this process has provided a valuable opportunity to review and improve the way we work,\u201d Professor Kilpatrick said. \u201cAt the end of my testimony, recognising this, I made a formal apology to AWI. We must, and will, do everything in our power to prevent a recurrence of an incident like this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Over the coming weeks the Commission will take additional written submissions relating to this case, and ultimately issue its findings.<\/p>\n
If you, your child or a member of your family has questions about these matters, please let us know so that we can work together to address your concerns. In the first instance, you can write to us at consumer.liaison@rch.org.au<\/a>.<\/p>\n