SOPHIE Grubb is to be congratulated for her report (September 4) of the damage to the reputation of both Sister Frances Dominica, and the wonderful Helen House, the first hospice for children with life-threatening illnesses, by the allegations of historical sexual abuse made against her.

It is a sad fact that people who have been traumatised by parents or other carers in early life live in such fear of further abuse that they may mistake genuine loving care later in life for sexual abuse.

As a retired psychiatrist, with a special interest in such matters, I was given the privilege of examining the evidence that gave rise to the accusations against Sister Frances.

This convinced me that the care she expressed toward the distressed people who sought her care many years ago, was no more sexual than the loving care that is given every day by nurses in the children’s hospices that she initiated. The police were quite right to conclude that there was no case to answer.

COLIN MURRAY PARKES

via email