DOZENS of rapes and sexual assaults have been reported in Cumbria's hospitals.

Figures obtained by a women's rights group showed more than 60 rapes and sexual assaults were reported on hospital wards over the period in question.

The data, obtained via a freedom of information request, concerned reports made between January 2019 and October 2022, including the lockdown period when hospitals were said to be more secure.

In that time 40 sexual assaults and 21 rapes were reported to Cumbria Police.

The figures were compiled by the Women's Rights Network, which asked all the UK’s 43 police forces to provide data.

Cumbria had the 25th highest number of offences recorded of the 35 forces that responded.

The Metropolitan Police received the highest number of reports.

More than 6,500 sexual assaults were reported to have taken place in hospitals during the time period in question.

Heather Binning, the founder of WRN, said: "These statistics are jaw-dropping.

"We began this investigation because a number of members raised concerns about the safety of women and children on NHS wards, but we are horrified at what we have uncovered.

"The volume of sexual assaults and rapes is even more horrific when you consider that this data covers the pandemic, when much of the country was in lockdown and hospitals were supposedly even more vigilant.

Hospitals are places where everyone - patients, staff and visitors - should feel completely safe.

"But rapes and violent assaults are taking place every week in hospitals."

Cumbria's hospitals are run by two NHS trusts, North Cumbria Integrated Care and Morecambe Bay.

An NCIC spokesman said: "Thankfully these incidents are rare in our county. We take the safety of our staff and patients very seriously and we encourage reporting of all incidents."

The Morecambe Bay NHS trust did not respond to a request for comment.

NHS England said the figures were 'unacceptable'.

A spokesman said: “All NHS Trusts and organisations must ensure robust measures are in place to ensure immediate action is taken in any cases reported to them and anyone who has experienced any misconduct or violence should come forward, report it and seek help.”