HOSPITAL bosses have reassured women that they will be safe during gynaecology appointments after a hospital worker was arrested for sexual assault.

The clinical assistant, who has not been named, allegedly examined women "inappropriately" at the Edith Watson Ward of Burnley General Hospital.

He was arrested at the hospital on Tuesday after two women complained.

He has now been released on police bail pending further investigations, and a third woman has come forward since then to make a further complaint.

It is believed the medic had trained as a doctor abroad but was working as a part-time clinical assistant at the hospital until his registration and training were updated.

Peter Weller, Head of Assurance and Safety for East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust said the clinical assistant was now under investigation by the trust board as well as the police.

He said: "We take any a concern or allegation from patients seriously.

"Patient safety and welfare is our main priority and anyone using our services can be reassured that we have taken all necessary actions to ensure this."

Detective Sergeant Ian Taylor, of Burnley CID, is investigating the incidents.

He said: " Police attended after reports of assault from two female patients and as a result a qualified doctor has been arrested for alleged indecent assault and has currently been released on police bail. A third women has since come forward.

"The doctor was not a full time member of staff at the hospital and we would like to reassure patients that the investigation only relates to unsupervised examinations, and examinations are normally supervised.

"Patients will normally have two members of medical staff with them during the investigation, to help ensure they are protected."