More than 20 vulnerable women battling eating disorders were manipulated into sexual relationships by a “predatory” senior nurse because of inadequate management by his NHS bosses, an investigation concluded today.

David Britten, former manager of the Peter Dally Clinic, in Westminster, preyed on at least 23 patients over a 20-year period before allegations of sexual misconduct emerged. They only came to light after the nurse - now 54 - was sacked by the centre for unrelated matters.

An investigation, commissioned by North West London Strategic Health Authority - now NHS London - concluded that poor management, missed opportunities and the reluctance of his vulnerable victims to speak out allowed the abuse to carry on. He was described in the report as a “manipulative predator who represented a clear danger to women”.

Mr Britten has has not faced any criminal charges, with the Criminal Prosecution Service claiming there was insufficient evidence.

Alison McKenna, who chaired the investigation, said: “The effect of David Britten’s abuse of these vulnerable women cannot be overestimated. David Britten was a specialist in eating disorders and would have known that affected individuals can be very compliant and eager to please. He deliberately targeted vulnerable patients, grooming them for his own sexual gratification.”

Trish Morris-Thompson, the NHS London chief nurse, apologised on behalf of the health service.

She said: “As a nurse and a midwife, I am appalled by David Britten’s actions and that they went unchecked for so long. He abused not just these women but also his position of professional trust.”

The Peter Dally Clinic closed in 2001 when the Central and North West London Mental Health Trust took over and Britten’s activities were uncovered. A new eating disorder service was opened a year later with new staff.

Professor Morris-Thompson said: “This report has lessons for NHS organisations around the country and it is my job to ensure that the lessons are widely disseminated. They will be.”

The report said the NHS took appropriate action in dismissing him but said that the Nursing and Midwifery Council did not take action to suspend him from - or strike him off - the nursing register until 2004, despite having received a string of allegations over the previous two years.

Mr Britten was portrayed as a romantic hero among patients and staff - but in fact he was behaving like a paedophile, Sarah Harman, the lawyer representing some of the 23 victims, said. She added: “Their lives in some cases have been ruined by the way he behaved.”

They continue to call on police to take action against him, she added. The report also raised questions over four other members of staff at the clinic, all of whom left the centre in 2001.

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