No further action over “shocking” Budock Hospital abuse claims

Anger has greeted news that no-one will be prosecuted after a “catalogue of abuse” was uncovered at Budock Hospital.

Campaigners who helped bring the appalling care of vulnerable adults at the centre to light have reacted with fury at the decision by the Crown Prosecution Service that there is insufficient evidence to hold any individuals to account.

Police started investigation allegation at the hospital in 204 and in 2006 announced that they were investigating claims made by residents at the disgraced hospital.

The joint investigation by the Healthcare Commission and the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) into practices at the hospital, which was run by the Cornwall Partnership Trust, uncovered allegations of sexual, physical, emotional and medical abuse.

The “shocking” catalogue of abuses, forced unreserved apologies from health leaders.

Five members of staff were sacked by the trust during the course of the abuse investigations.

Three directors from the trust’s board also resigned at the time the allegations came to light.

In July 2006 Marcia Fry, from the CSCI said there was “a catalogue of abuse and unacceptable practice” and that patients had been “let down” by the service, which were “stuck in a time warp,”.

Among the cases highlighted was a person tied to a wheelchair or bed for 16 hours a day, others were left stupefied by drugs and given cold showers.

Another patient was found to have suffered multiple injuries over time including a fractured skull.

Lamorna ward at Budock was singled out for damming criticism with claims one patient was left sleeping on the floor.

At the time Mrs Fry said: “I think we were all truly shocked with what we found and saddened.

Lezli Boswell, who took over from Tony Gardener as the chief executive of the Cornwall Partnership Trust, said: “The failings that have been brought to light are shocking and shameful. There are no excuses. I cannot and will not attempt to justify what has happened, as it is inexcusable.

The findings also drew an apology from the Thelma Holland, the chief of NHS South West.

Reg Broad, chair of East Cornwall Mencap, a leading UK charity for people with a learning disability, said that few people had been help accountable for what happened and most people who were abused would be “absolutely appalled”.

He also expressed surprise that no charges had been made.

The CPS has not, as yet released any information on why no action was being taken.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said that they had carried out a “thorough and complex investigation” and had told the families involved of the decision by the CPS not to take any further action.

Budock Hospital has since been demolished.