Investigation into learning disabilities services run by major NHS contractor after police brought in over ‘abuse’ of patients

Exclusive Durham Constabulary investigating ‘physical and psychological abuse’ allegations at Whorlton Hall, County Durham which have led to 16 staff being suspended

Abuse allegations against Whorlton Hall staff, make it second property acquired from Danshell Group where fears were raised (Cygnet Health Care)

An investigation has begun into a major care provider after police were called in over alleged psychological and physical abuse of patients with learning disabilities at one of its homes.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said inspectors would be reviewing these and similar services run by the NHS contractor Cygnet Health Care across the country – and appealed for anyone with concerns to come forward.

The Independent revealed on Friday that Durham Police had received reports of abuse at Whorlton Hall, a live-in facility for people with learning disabilities and complex needs near Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Cygnet, which has run the 17-bed centre since last year, is one of the UK’s largest care providers responsible for 3,000 patients across 140 sites.

It has suspended 16 of the 85 staff at Whorlton Hall over the abuse claims and it has now stopped taking in new patients.

Cygnet has come under increasing scrutiny in the past year after deaths at two of its mental health facilities and investigations by the CQC.

It acquired Whorlton Hall, alongside 25 other hospitals and care homes after a takeover of private care provider Danshell Group, in 2018.

“Durham Constabulary can confirm that, this week, they have launched a criminal investigation regarding concerns raised about alleged physical and psychological abuse by staff at Whorlton Hall, near Barnard Castle,” a police spokesperson said.

A Cygnet Health Care spokesperson said: “We acquired the Danshell Group a few months ago and allegations have been made against members of staff at one of the group’s hospitals, Whorlton Hall, regarding their treatment of service users earlier this year.

“We take these allegations extremely seriously. All members of staff who have been specifically mentioned have been suspended.”

Cygnet added that it had informed the police and other relevant authorities of the allegations, and said it was committed to ensuring its high standards and culture were maintained across all of the Danshell Group’s facilities.

Revelations of abuse at Winterbourne View care home in 2011, which saw six care workers jailed, led to the collapse of operator Castlebeck.

The Danshell Group acquired Whorlton Hall alongside around 20 properties after the collapse of its rival in 2013.

Earlier this year the CQC revealed allegations of abuse at another former Danshell Group property, Thors Park in Essex, which cares for men with learning disabilities, following an inspection in February.

Cygnet said it had acknowledged the issues raised in the CQC report on Thors Park and had acted immediately following the inspection with a new manager and operations director to oversee changes.

“Cygnet Health Care’s own portfolio does not have any inadequate rated facilities and as an organisation patient care remains our top priority,” a Cygnet spokesperson added.

The CQC said it took “immediate steps” to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people currently at Whorlton Hall and was considering what further action was needed.

“This provider manages many hospitals and care homes across England some of which provide care for people with a learning disability and autism,” a spokesperson added.

“Our inspections show that these vary in quality. We are currently reviewing information about other services of this type operated by this provider, and would urge anyone who has concerns about care to contact us on 03000 616161 or via www.cqc.org.uk/sye.”

The CQC holds information from regular inspections and calls to its whistleblowing line. When asked, they said it was too early to say if any other facilities would be require further action.

Dan Scorer, head of policy and public affairs at Mencap, said: “These allegations are deeply shocking and disturbing. It’s now nearly eight years since the horror of the abuse of people with a learning disability at Winterbourne View was exposed. Yet the health and social care system is continuing to fail people with a learning disability.

“Alongside the police investigation, it is crucial that people with a learning disability and their families directly affected by these allegations are getting support and are safe”

NHS Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield Clinical Commissioning Group declined to comment.