A hospital worker has been charged with sexually assaulting seven women while at work.
Healthcare worker Hernando Puno, 51, is accused of nine counts of sexual assault at Blackpool Victoria hospital between November 2012 and March 2021.
Puno, from Layton in Blackpool, has been bailed to appear at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on January 4 next year.
An investigation was launched into allegations of mistreatment and neglect on the hospital’s stroke unit in 2018.
This probe led to the emergence of other alleged crimes, including the suspicious death of Valerie Kneale, 75.
Alleged sexual offences on patients and staff were also reported to officers.
In March, a healthcare professional was arrested on suspicion of murder, two offences of rape and one of sexual assault, Lancashire Police said.
The man, who was suspended by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, was rearrested in connection with further offences of rape and sexual assault in July.
A spokesman said the inquiry is not linked to the ongoing investigation into allegations of poisoning and neglect at the hospital.
The investigation into the suspicious death of Ms Kneale continues, he added.
Anyone with information is urged to come forward.
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