Police investigation has been ordered in a case of sexual abuse by a hospital staff. It was alleged by a patient at Halifax-area chronic care ward that a hospital employee had tried to sexual abuse.

The Health Department has also confirmed two more complaints regarding sexual abuse had been sent for police investigation. These complaints involved sexual abuse by one patient on another patient. The investigation of one case had been completed and dismissed. The complaint had been dismissed on grounds of insufficient evidence on criminal wrongdoing.

Donna Dill, the province's director of investigations for continuing care, revealed that case involving sexual abuse involving a staff member is alleged to have taken place at a facility belonging to the Capital District Health Authority.

The decision as to have a separate departmental inquiry once police investigation is completed is still pending.

The cases of sexual abuse were not included in the list of 41 cases of patient abuse at nursing homes and hospitals supplied to the Canadian Press. Majority of these cases involve physical or physical and emotional abuse of patients by the hospital staff.