Patients 'suffering abuse', report claims

A report into the treatment and care of people with learning disabilities has uncovered widespread abuse of patients.

The report, by the Healthcare Commission and Commission for Social Care Inspection, said that there was "serious concerns" over the care of patients.

The services inspected were the Budock Hospital near Falmouth, which is a treatment centre for 18 inpatients, two other treatment centres, four children's units and 46 houses occupied by groups of up to four people with learning disabilities.

Investigators found evidence of staff hitting patients, pushing and dragging people. Some staff were also reported to have withheld food from patients and given people cold showers.

There was also found to be an over-reliance on medication to control behaviour, as well as illegal and prolonged use of restraint. The report found that one person spent 16 hours a day tied to their bed or wheelchair, because staff believed - wrongly - that it was for the person's own protection.

The report said that a number of people working in the homes were found to be caring and well intended, but were not working in accordance with best practice.

In all 40 people were referred to Cornwall County Council as a result of the investigation.

However, since the investigation, the report noted that Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust had taken disciplinary action against a number of staff. A new Chief Executive had also been appointed and staff had received training.

Anna Walker, Chief Executive of the Healthcare Commission and David Behan, Chief Inspector of the Commission for Social Care Inspection, issued a joint statement on the report. It said: "Our Cornwall investigation report highlights unacceptable standards of care. People with learning disabilities and their families have been let down. We hope they are reassured that what we have put in place has stabilised the situation and will improve services in Cornwall for the future.

"In light of these events, it is right to ask about the state of these services around the country.

"Instances of abuse can be symptomatic of services that have been neglected for too long. They are the most serious sign of a problem, but our concerns are much broader. We detect a widespread lack of understanding about the rights and needs of people with learning disabilities.

"This is what the Healthcare Commission, working with CSCI where appropriate, is to embark on a national audit and inspection programme of all NHS and independent healthcare providers."

The findings of this audit is expected to be published in 2007.

Around one million people in England are estimated to have learning disabilities.

(KMcA/SP)