Kanifing General Hospital has placed a clinical staff member on administrative leave following allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman during a consultation.

The hospital said it became aware of the allegation through an audio recording and related reports circulating on social media.

In a statement, the hospital said it immediately launched an investigation to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.

The staff member has since been identified and summoned to a meeting with senior management.

He has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Hospital management has also contacted the woman who made the allegation and invited her to provide further information as part of the investigation.

KGH said the matter would be handled “sensitively, objectively and in accordance with established procedures”.

The hospital stressed that it does not tolerate sexual misconduct, abuse, harassment or other forms of unethical or unprofessional behaviour by its employees.

It said appropriate action would be taken if the allegations are established, in line with hospital policies, Civil Service regulations and applicable professional and legal requirements.

However, management also urged the public not to prejudge the matter while the investigation is ongoing.

“The Hospital Management is committed to due process and a fair and impartial investigation,” the statement said.

The hospital said patient safety, dignity and rights remain central to its operations, adding that all clinical and essential services continue to operate normally.

It also appealed to members of the public to allow the investigative process to proceed without prejudice to either the complainant or the staff member involved.

The allegations have attracted public attention after the audio recording was widely circulated online, but the hospital has not disclosed further details about the identity of the complainant or the staff member.

KGH said it would handle the matter with seriousness, transparency and professionalism while maintaining its commitment to providing safe and quality healthcare to the communities it serves.

By Adama Makasuba