A DOCTOR has been charged with sexually assaulting a 16-year-old patient in her hospital bed.

Dr Naveen Shivan, 34, will appear before the town's magistrates tomorrow to answer the charge.

Dr Shivan works in the Ear, Nose and Throat Unit of Blackburn Royal Infirmary,

He was arrested by police on August 14.

It followed allegations from a 16-year-old girl who claimed to have been sexually assaulted.

Police said the girl has alleged that she was indecently touched in her hospital bed on August 13 during the night.

Following an investigation by detectives from Blackburn CID, Dr Shivan was charged with sexual assault.

Det Sgt Paul Ryan, of Blackburn CID, said: "Dr Naveen Shivan has been charged with sexual assault and will appear before Blackburn magistrates on Thursday."

Dr Peter Ehrhardt, medical director for East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "The trust is currently assisting the police with their investigations relating to an alleged incident concerning a junior doctor.

"We would like to reassure the public that patient welfare and safety continues to be the trust's highest priority and that all appropriate action has been taken in line with the Conduct and Disciplinary Procedure contained within Government guidelines (Maintaining High Professional Standards in the Modern NHS).

"Following the magistrate's hearing this week we will be in position to comment further."