Borders abuse case lesson learned

Scottish Borders Council was criticised for its handling of the case

Scottish Borders Council has said it is now held as an example of providing care for vulnerable adults - four years after a high profile abuse case.

The claim comes as learning disability services are being revamped.

In 2002 the case of a vulnerable woman abused by three men, one of them her carer, resulted in several inquiries.

NHS Borders and the council have now integrated services for those with learning disabilities and this is being used as a template for other regions.

The strategy aims to help vulnerable people live in the community, rather than institutions.

Evelyn McHugh manages the integrated service and said much work had been done to learn the lessons of four years ago.

We have also done a huge amount of work around developing practice in the management of vulnerable adults Evelyn McHugh Service manager

"We have set up a joint service where we have brought together staff from across social work and health to work together," she said.

"That is to make absolutely sure people are working well together and their interventions are co-ordinated.

"We have also done a huge amount of work around developing practice in the management of vulnerable adults who are at risk of abuse.

"Finally, what we have been doing is redesigning our service delivery to make sure we have got the right services out there to meet the needs of people with learning disability in the 21st Century."

Outreach teams

Now the Borders is considered to be ahead of other areas in ensuring people are able to stay in the community - and out of hospitals - safely.

The service in the area is being used as a template for other regions, such as Lothian.

A further revamp will see resources go to outreach teams, rather than inpatient beds - where discharge is often blocked because of the lack of community services.