Hospital Set To Close At End Of The Week

The closure of a residential hospital in Bristol where alleged abuse of patients was filmed secretly has been welcomed by a medical law specialist at Irwin Mitchell.

Winterbourne View, which is run by Castlebeck, has been in the headlines in recent weeks after a BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the welfare of people treated at the site.

While a full investigation into the allegations is continuing and a serious care review is ongoing, the operator of the home has confirmed it will be closed formally on Friday (June 24th).

The decision has been backed by medical law and patients’ rights expert Jonathan Peacock, a Partner at Irwin Mitchell’s Bristol office with expertise in helping the families of vulnerable people who have suffered abuse or neglect while in care.

Commenting on the imminent closure, he said: “The filming of activity at the home raised incredibly serious concerns which simply could not be ignored by the home’s operator or the relevant authorities.

“I hope this closure signals a very real intent to deal with these extremely shocking issues and we look forward to the release of the findings of the investigation into the home and some clarification over the allegations that staff on the site seriously failed in their duty of care to patients.

“Ultimately, the welfare of those who stayed at the home is of primary concern but the events at Winterbourne View are just a symptom of a care system that isn’t working as it should. Closing Winterbourne View isn’t a cure for the wider problems, and it is vital that every effort is made to ensure lessons are learnt in order that no one else suffers in the same manner.”