Interim report announced on former Winterbourne View care home

Care Services Minister Paul Burstow yesterday updated the House of Commons on plans to publish an interim report on the findings from the Government’s Serious Case Review into Winterbourne View Hospital.

The Bristol facility was at the centre of national controversy last year after an undercover investigation by the BBC Panorama programme has resulted in a broadcast of residents with learning disabilities being abused. The revelations uncovered at Winterbourne View, which was subsequently closed, also proved damaging to the reputation of England’s care regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC), due to the efforts of a whistleblower having resulted in no decisive action.

Minister Burstow said: “The House will wish to note that nine people employed at Winterbourne View hospital have pleaded guilty and have been referred for sentencing reports. A further two people have pleaded not guilty and are due back in Bristol Crown Court on 6 August. Once the criminal proceedings are completed, we expect the Serious Care Review, chaired by Dr Margaret Flynn, to be published.”

The report will also draw upon the findings of focused CQC inspections into a further 150 care homes that specialise in looking after people with a learning disability, with the inspectorate also due to publish a summary national report in the summer.

Since its closure, Winterbourne View has been acquired by Glenside Healthcare Services, an independent provider of neurological rehabilitation, who are investing £1.5m into refurbishing the facility in order to take on complex conditions such as brain injuries.

Image: Paul Burstow MP, Minister of State for Care Services; courtesy of Liberal Democrats’ photostream