CHILDREN in 18 different hospitals suffered the horror of sexual, physical and emotional abuse.There were 33 reports of abuse in the hospitals made by 31 witnesses.
All were bed- bound and some had illnesses like polio and could have spent up to seven years in hospital.
Three of the sexual abusers were doctors and others were lay and religious staff, including a priest and nuns.
Some of those sexually abused were attacked in their hospital beds, examination rooms, cubicles, doctors' offices, bathrooms and toilets.
"Incidents of sexual abuse were described as unobserved by others and generally as occurring in discreet and isolated locations," the report found.
"Witnesses described being confronted in their beds by men they did not recognise who motioned to them to keep quiet while they digitally penetrated or fondled their breasts or genitals."
Witnesses recalled how they were hit with "sticks, canes, straps, scissors, hair and hand brushes".
Others were punched, kicked, had their hair pulled and immersed in cold water or subjected to painful treatment procedures.
Others recall being left in wet beds or on bed pans for lengthy periods and being made to kneel on the floor or stand with their arms raised for extended periods of time.
Some were punished for bed wetting by having wet sheets draped over their heads. Others were locked in cupboards overnight.
Six of the named physical abusers were identified as lay nurses.
Four others were identified as religious sisters who were believed to be nurses.
One child was bed-bound for three years, during which time she received no schooling or intellectual stimulation of any kind.
Humiliation
The emotional abuse included being exposed to frightening situations, lack of affection and humiliation. "I never heard my name," one recalled.
Children placed in county homes witnessed the pain and at times death of older patients without any recognition of the distress they felt.
For many of the youngsters, there was nobody to talk to about the abuse. Some had no visitors and others had no chance to speak privately when visitors did call.
Some children reported the abuse to their parents, social workers, gardai or counsellor. In six cases, the abusive staff member was sacked after the report.
Half of those abused in hospital described life-long negative effects of the abuse, including depression, suicidal behaviour and alcohol abuse.
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