Abuse at Orchard Hill is symptomatic of an outdated system of care - Burstow

2.38.56pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 23rd Jan 2007

Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam, has expressed his grave concern at reports of abuse at the Orchard Hill Hospital, revealed in a recent Health Care Commission investigation into learning disabilities in Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust.

The Commission were asked to investigate by Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust itself, after a number of incidents raised concerns among Trust managers. The Commission's report found widespread neglect and abuse of learning-disabled patients, the vast majority of which was the result of outmoded care practices and a culture of dependency among staff.

The report stated that residents were only engaged in activities for 4 or 5 hours a week; were fed at speeds which failed to allow enjoyment of their food; and were referred to by staff as 'children', and in some cases even 'babies'. The Commission's inspectors concluded: "The culture was such that staff concentrated on what people could not do, rather than what they might be able to do."

Commenting on the news, Paul Burstow MP said:

"I am deeply distressed by the findings of widespread neglect at Orchard Hill. At the same time, I am glad that Sutton and Merton PCT both requested the investigation, and has agreed to act on its recommendations."

"Coming only months after reports of abuse in Cornwall, this report reveals that government action on learning disability services is long overdue."

"Having been neglected for so long, systems of care for the learning-disabled must be brought into the 21st Century."