TRUSTEES of Helen and Douglas House have said a decision to ask founder Sister Frances Dominica to leave was necessary to comply with healthcare standards.

The 72-year-old nun – who founded Helen House, the world’s first children’s hospice, in East Oxford – was told to leave on recommendation of an independent risk assessment.

It was commissioned by the hospice and All Saints Sisters of the Poor following historical allegations that two women were subjected to sexual abuse in Oxford between 1980 and 2000.

Sister Frances “wholly” denies the claim and no charges were brought following a police investigation.

But yesterday trustees of Helen and Douglas House said the risk assessment was required to follow rules set out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the healthcare watchdog.

Their statement said: “We recognise that without Sister Frances’ vision and dedication, Helen and Douglas House would not exist.

“That is why we have been working tirelessly to resolve the matter with due consideration for Sister Frances’ name and reputation and with absolute focus on preserving the vital work we do in the community.

“We too are saddened by the circumstances and understand the situation is deeply distressing for Sister Frances. However, we have to comply with requirements of the CQC and adhere to their safeguarding standards.

“Notwithstanding that no conclusions about the allegations could be made, the trustees’ decision to ask Sister Frances not to return to the hospice is precisely in line with the risk assessment’s recommendations.

“If we had not acted in this way, Helen and Douglas House would have risked non-compliance with our healthcare regulator.”

Sister Frances received scores of messages of support from friends and people in East Oxford. Her lawyer has said she could still return and her position was “under consideration”.