A medical technician at London Health Sciences Centre has been charged with allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting a patient during a medical procedure.
London police say a female patient reported she was injected with a sedative that put her to sleep during an electroencephalogram (EEG) procedure at University Hospital on April 11. She said when she awoke, she was being sexually assaulted.
Police were notified about the incident May 11 and began investigating.
Vincent Gauthier, 24, has since been charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of overcoming resistance by administering or attempting to administer a drug.
Gauthier was employed by the LHSC since 2015. He was based at Victoria Hospital until 2016 when he transferred to University Hospital. He was suspended from his duties as an EEG technician on April 25 and has since been let go.
LHSC President and CEO Dr. Paul Woods confirmed during a news conference held Tuesday that Gauthier would have seen both adult and pediatric patients during his time with the hospital.
"Clearly we are very troubled and concerned that this may have happened at our hospital," said Woods, appearing visibly shaken when speaking with reporters. "We certainly are shocked and devastated... I am personally devastated. It is something that has upset me greatly."
Letters will be sent to the 838 patients who underwent an EEG performed by Gauthier, according to Woods. A hotline has also been set up by the LHSC for patients with concerns regarding their procedure. The number is 1-888-443-9202.
An EEG is a test that detects abnormalities in brain waves.
Going forward, the hospital will be updating information to clearly state that a patient can have a family member or friend with them during procedures.
Woods would not comment on what type of drug may have been used to sedate the patient as it is part of the ongoing police investigation. He did confirm it is "relatively rare" for a patient to be sedated for an EEG and that staff have taken an inventory to confirm no drugs are unaccounted for.
"There is zero tolerance for this type of behaviour," said Woods. "This type of accusation represents a most serious breach of trust between health care provider and patient and does not embody the action of thousands of staff and physicians at LHSC who are dedicated to providing the best care to our patients."
The LHSC is cooperating fully with police as the investigation continues, said Woods.
Police are urging anyone who may have experienced a similar incident at the hospital to call them at 519-661-5670.
Gauthier has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in London court July 3.