The 63-year-old is alleged to have entered the patient's room shortly after she had undergone medical treatment.

10:06, Wed, Feb 4, 2026 Updated: 10:23, Wed, Feb 4, 2026

Joseph Ratcliff

Joseph Ratcliff is charged with rape and sexual battery. (Image: Hamilton County Justice Center)

A nurse raped a defenceless female dementia patient shorly after she had undergone medical treatment, it has been alleged. Joseph Ratcliff, 63, was arrested on January 23 and charged with rape and sexual battery. The 63-year-old was accused of sexually assaulting a woman "whose ability to resist or consent is impaired because of a mental or physical condition" at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Mr Ratcliff is only a registered nurse in Kentucky but was assigned to Christ Hospital by healthcare firm DaVita, which provides kidney care at facilities nationwide. He allegedly entered the patient's room after she had undergone medical treatment and prosecutors say he had no reason to be there.

Mr Ratcliff was reported by a witness before being arrested on the same day, the Daily Mail reports.

DaVita declined to comment whether he was still employed, adding: "The safety and dignity of our patients is our highest priority. While we cannot discuss individual personnel matters, we took immediate action as soon as we became aware of this situation."

Mr Ratcliff, from Butler in Kentucky, has held a nursing licence since 1995. Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said he now faces charges of first-degree rape and third-degree sexual battery, according to the Cincinatti Enquirer.

The Christ Hospital in Ohio

The alleged attack took place in The Christ Hospital in Ohio (Image: The Christ Hospital)

Both charges involve allegations that the victim's ability to consent was impaired due to her mental condition. Prosecutors do not believe there are additional victims.

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A spokesperson for The Christ Hospital said: "The safety of our patients, guests and team members is the top priority at The Christ Hospital Health Network. We thank our team members and the Cincinnati Police Department for responding quickly. Because this is an active investigation we cannot comment further."

Mr Ratcliff is being held at Hamilton County Justice Center and has no "projected released date". He is unable to leave jail even if he posts bail.