NHS Trust cleared of abuse

NHS Trust cleared of abuse

The CHI criticised the NHS Trust

An NHS Trust has been cleared of charges that adults in its care were physically abused.

But the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) report has raised "serious concerns" about accommodation at some community homes run by the Bedfordshire and Luton NHS Trust.

The report on the Trust's learning disability services also concluded that residents' human rights were breached.

Doors at one home were kept locked during the day and its residents were not allowed in their rooms until bedtime.

Dr Linda Patterson, CHI medical director said: "Bedfordshire and Luton Community NHS Trust has failed to address the specific needs of the learning disability clients it cares for.

Long working hours

"Vulnerable adults are being placed in unacceptable situations, with their choices and freedoms compromised by poor planning.

"Trust staff are working excessive hours to cover staff shortages and this inevitably impacts on the quality of care they can deliver."

The CHI started its investigation into the Trust following allegations of abuse between 1998 and 2001 and concerns over the deaths of two people with learning difficulties in 1997 and 1999.

In a statement the CHI said it "could find no evidence to substantiate allegations of physical abuse of adults with learning disabilities at Bedfordshire and Luton Community NHS Trust".

Following the publication of the report, Paul Mullin, chief executive of the Trust, said it welcomed the findings of the trust.

"It was an extensive investigation that found absolutely no evidence of abuse or maltreatment. Our clinical services are safe."

Commenting on concern over human rights in the report, the Trust said in a statement that it "was concerned that CHI raised the question of human rights, and promptly took legal advice, and the Trust is confident it is not infringing any client's human rights".