i was a student nurse in the late 80's early 90's at the LGI.
the LGI never truly accepted culpability for their enablement of JS.
I was in a senior safeguarding role when they shared their 'independent' report commissioned to a husband (ex copper) and wife (ex nurse) team who aimed to keep their relationship quiet. There was a practitioners event and there were revelations that The Reckoning never even touched on.
we were warned as we moved into the nurses home as teenagers how to avoid him, how to double lock your door and leave the old iron keys in to prevent him gaining access as it was well known he had a master key. it was even 'helpfully' suggested we could always pop a chair under the handle if we wanted an extra layer of security.
we knew which sisters on the children's wards who would give him short shrift if he turned up and would get grief from managers
as a result. we knew which sisters were weaker and accepted his visits but tried to keep a close eye on the children but ultimately didn't protect.
we knew never to be on our own and to spot others who may be vulnerable to his behaviours. but then what did we do? because no one was interested in our complaints.
we knew he had access to the mortuary. we knew that portering and security handed over keys and later electronic access passes either willingly as drawn in or reluctantly because of pressure from above but the access was given.
i'm my safeguarding role for one Trust, I documented the first accounts/testimony's of 3 of his victims before referring to the investigating bodies. Harrowing and i will never forget the story's and their lifetime of heartache.
The BBC got off lightly in this but the LGI absolutely have not been held to account. Their early adoption of his voluntary role gave him credibility and acceptance that would lead him to all the other NHS trusts in due course.
i think he focussed on stoke Mandeville because he spotted an opportunity to shine, some very vulnerable and immobile patients and the proximity to the south east which enabled his relationship with thatcher and royals. Leeds was a bit of a trek then.
this drama has dredged up so much of my past dilemmas from over 30 years ago and made me question my career in many ways. no way comparable to true victims of his heinous crimes at all but i'm just trying to show that his behaviours affected so many far and wide.
steve coogan deserves a medal as big as a frying pan for taking the role on and making it work the way he has. i think it could easily have been an 8 parter with deeper dives.