Staff at a mental health hospital dragged, slapped, kicked and shoved patients with autism and learning disabilities.
The shocking details emerged following an inspection of private hospital Cygnet Yew Trees, in Frinton-on-Sea, Essex.
Mencap head of policy Dan Scorer said people must live in homes, not hospitals
An inspection report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) says camera footage showed patients were “physically and emotionally” abused.
Review of 21 episodes
The CQC report of their inspection visits on 24 and 30 July and 4 August says they reviewed 21 episodes of footage and witnessed staff “drag, slap and kick a patient”. It adds: “We witnessed staff shove a patient.”
They also saw staff become angry, throw items near patients and use “intimidating body language”.
The report says of the 21 episodes reviewed, nine (45 per cent) showed examples of staff abusing patients, acting inappropriately or delivering poor care.
Also, staff failed to record incidents accurately. Up to 45 per cent of reports did not align with CCTV footage.
Staff did not report concerns
No staff reported concerns. Neither did they recognise when they used seclusion.
And nor did patients have access to reviews outlined in the mental health code of practice.
Some staff did not have the right attitude to care for vulnerable patients, says the CQC.
Laughing, dancing and relaxing
But the watchdog acknowledges the footage also showed “staff laughing with patients”, “patients participating in dancing” and “relaxing, engaging in activities and being supported by staff”.
Dan Scorer is Mencap’s head of policy.
He said the report shows the dangers of “modern day asylums” and people should live in “homes, not hospitals”.
Mental health hospital now closed
Cygnet Health Care owns the hospital.
A spokesperson said the company alerted the CQC over the abuse at the hospital, which it has now closed.
The company suspended two agency staff and eight permanent workers. Four have since been sacked.
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Published: 25 September 2020
