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A probe into obscene emails at a Newcastle NHS trust has led to more than 50 hospital staff being investigated.
Following the eight-month inquiry, a total of 13 employees at the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have been sacked, while another 28 are being disciplined.
The authorities were alerted after a pornographic image of an elderly woman, taken from an X-rated foreign website, was distributed to staff at the city’s Freeman Hospital.
It is thought that the image was viewed on work computers by staff working on a ward for elderly patients.
The investigation then spread to other hospitals after the offensive email was forwarded on.
The trust manages Newcastle General, Freeman and Royal Victoria Infirmary hospitals.
A trust spokeswoman said: “The offensive material in question was of a nature that we are not prepared to tolerate and hence exercise zero tolerance in this respect.
“We have investigated 51 cases and dismissed 13 members of staff with a further 28 being the subject of disciplinary action.
“Of these 28 there are 10 cases outstanding which have yet to be heard in accordance with our policy and practice/code of conduct.”
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Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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“Yes the trust is right to take this action – how sick-minded can people get?” – M.B., Rotherham, UK
