The HSE is “reviewing” the circumstances surrounding its failure to suspend a doctor at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) after learning he had raped a nurse who also worked at the hospital.
The HSE Mid West, responsible for UHL, stated This proves “reviewing all of the circumstances to ensure all appropriate supports were made available to the victim.” However, the HSE admitted: “Dr Kila should have been suspended from clinical practice when we became aware of the assault.”
A Delayed Response
Louay Kila, a 31-year-old registrar doctor originally from Morocco, raped a young nurse at UHL on March 2nd, 2024, after both had separately socialized in Limerick City and ended up at the same apartment as part of separate groups. Despite the assault, Kila continued working as a doctor for a year, only being voluntarily suspended from the list of medical practitioners in Ireland in March 2025.
Last week, following a trial at the Central Criminal Court in Limerick, Kila was convicted of rape and sexual assault. On Friday, he was sentenced to eight years in prison for the rape, with a concurrent four-year sentence for the sexual assault. The court heard Kila, with an address at Cois Luachra, Dooradoyle, Limerick, had lied to gardaí, claiming consensual contact and alleging the nurse fabricated the accusations.
The HSE stated that its failure to suspend Kila “added to her suffering” and apologized for the additional hurt caused. The health authority said it is reviewing the situation to ensure appropriate support was available to the victim and that the failure to act promptly “does not reflect current practice and policy.”
The victim, who chose to remain anonymous, addressed Kila at his sentencing, stating, “I got justice.” She expressed hope in inspiring other women to hold their attackers accountable and acknowledged the profound impact the assault had on her career, stating she “couldn’t” return to working at UHL after the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What action did the HSE take after the sentencing?
The HSE stated it is reviewing all of the circumstances surrounding the case to ensure appropriate supports were available to the victim and to understand why Dr. Kila was not suspended sooner.
What did the victim say to her attacker at sentencing?
The victim told Kila, “To my rapist, I stood up and I am holding you accountable for your actions and I got justice.” She also expressed hope to inspire other women.
What will happen to Dr. Kila following his prison sentence?
The court ordered that Kila be placed on a register for convicted sex offenders, requiring him to engage with gardaí and the probation service after his release and to notify them of any change of address.
As Kila begins his eight-year sentence, questions remain regarding the processes that allowed him to continue practicing medicine for a year after the assault. It remains to be seen what changes the HSE will implement to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
