News Release, 5 July 2006
NHS services must not escape regulation
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities is today calling on the NHS to explain why it failed to protect people with learning disabilities in Cornwall for so long from widespread abuse by staff within an NHS trust.
On the day that the Healthcare Commission and Commission for Social Care Inspection released a report on the findings of an investigation into the Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust, Alison Giraud-Saunders and Barbara McIntosh, Co-Directors of the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities said:
“We welcome this report, which demonstrates the two Commissions’ commitment to raising standards and eradicating abuse from learning disability services. However, it is disturbing that widespread abuse was allowed to continue in Cornwall for so long. This amounts to a grave systems failure.
“There have been serious failings at all levels, not just with care staff and managers. The Strategic Health Authority in Cornwall did not hold the Primary Care Trusts accountable for weaknesses in the services, and the NHS collectively failed to act on the abuse that was taking place. Private and voluntary sector care services are more heavily regulated than NHS services. You should be able to expect the same care standards, wherever you live and receive support.
“How the NHS regulates services is an issue of concern. The Healthcare Commission awarded the Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust good star ratings despite concerns from other organisations that the NHS failed to provide a good model of care. Consequently proper safeguards fell by the wayside.
“This report highlights the real need for staff and managers to receive effective training and for services to radically change how they operate. Services in Cornwall have now begun this process and are determined to improve. The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities is working with services on a consultancy basis over the next two years to help them work with people in a more person centred and community based way that will benefit people with learning disabilities.”
Read the full report by the Healthcare Commission and the Commission for Social Care Inspection, (on the Healthcare Commisson website)
Return to news releases 2006
Note to editors
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
The Foundation promotes the rights, quality of life and opportunities of people with learning disabilities and their families. We do this by working with people with learning disabilities, their families and those who support them to:
- Do research and develop projects that promote social inclusion and citizenship
- Support local communities and services to include people with learning disabilities
- Make practical improvements in services for people with learning disabilities
- Spread knowledge and information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
