A nurse has been struck off over his ‘sexual’ examinations of child patients while working at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council Fitness to Practise Committee heard that Ashley Boyd, who also goes by the name Rhys Cronin, was working as a Band 5 adult nurse when the misconduct took place.
He was regularly rostered as a triage nurse on the Paediatric Assessment Unit. He was not a qualified children’s nurse and was not authorised to carry out intimate examinations.
During a nine-day hearing ending 15 January 2026, the panel found that Mr Boyd carried out testicular examinations on multiple child patients when they were not clinically indicated.
It ruled that these examinations were outside his role and should not have been performed.
He was also found to have continued carrying out intimate examinations after being explicitly told by senior colleagues on two occasions that he must not do so.
Despite these instructions, Mr Boyd went on to examine further children on several dates. The panel heard that this included touching children’s testicles and inner thighs.
In some cases, there was no medical justification for an intimate examination. One child had presented with tonsillitis, while another had already been examined and diagnosed by their GP.
The panel also found that Mr Boyd failed to keep adequate records. This included not properly recording consent, whether a parent or guardian was present, or whether a chaperone was used.
It was proved that some or all of the examinations – which took place between January 2023 and August 2023 – were sexually motivated and carried out for sexual gratification.
The panel concluded there was no plausible alternative explanation given the repeated nature of the conduct and the clear instructions he had received.
Mr Boyd also failed to give a child patient a prescribed nebuliser. This was done without discussing the decision with the senior clinician who had prescribed it.
The panel ruled that his actions amounted to serious misconduct. It found there had been an abuse of trust, dishonesty and a failure to protect vulnerable patients.
Mr Boyd did not attend the hearing, which took place in London. The panel was told he was aware of the proceedings and agreed for them to go ahead in his absence.
His fitness to practise was found to be impaired. The panel said there was a high risk of repetition and limited insight into the seriousness of his actions.
A striking-off order was imposed, removing him from the nursing register. An interim suspension order of eighteen months was also put in place during the appeal period.
Mr Boyd was previously held the role of trans liaison nurse at the Great Western Hospital, and was listed as chair of Swindon and Wiltshire Pride in 2023.
He was interviewed by police over the allegations, but it’s not clear what action was taken. Wiltshire Police has been approached for comment – updates follow.
