23.07.2014

Independent Inquiry Of Should Have Happened ‘Sooner’

The findings of a serious case review into the abuse of patients at the Solar Centre in St Catherine’s Hospital, in the Balby area of Doncaster, has stated that the families of victims were “left in the dark” by the safeguarding body.

In 2013, James Hinds, 59, and Susan Murphy, 43, were found guilty of 25 counts of ill-treating 12 outpatients, which included slapping users of the centre.

Many of those subjected to abuse by the pair over a two-year period between 2005 and 2007 were extremely vulnerable adults with limited communication abilities and a number of physical disabilities.

Report author Gill Poole, who was commissioned to carry out the serious case review by the Doncaster Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board, said the investigation into  allegations of abuse at the Solar Centre should have happened “sooner”.

The families of those abused have claimed they were only given just days’ notice of a meeting where the findings of the review were discussed, meaning some were unable to attend.

Expert Opinion

It is very concerning that a review into activities at the Solar Centre took so long to be commissioned. There are also concerns that the families of those abused were kept in the dark during the review process and were not informed of progress. <br/> <br/>"In cases such as this it is vital that victims and their families are treated with dignity and respect and are provided with the specialised help and support to help them overcome the psychological affects abuse can have." Luke Daniels - Partner