Expert Calls Efforts To Tackle Neglect To Improve

Health and social care authorities must work hard to tackle concerns over the abuse of vulnerable adults following the release of worrying new research, according to an expert at Irwin Mitchell.

Provisional figures from the NHS Information Centre have revealed that 96,000 cases of abuse against vulnerable members of society, including those involving physical or sexual abuse and neglect, were reported in England between April 2010 and March 2011.

It also revealed that, in a number of cases, the alleged abuser was either a health and social care worker or a family member.

The figures also highlighted that investigations were completed on around 75,000 of the allegations during 2010-11.

Lawyers at Irwin Mitchell act for vulnerable adults and the families of those who have been victim to abuse or neglect, helping them to secure justice over the physical and psychological trauma they have endured.

Commenting on the figures, Jonathan Peacock, a Partner at the firm who acted for the loved ones of relatives affected by care problems at the Maypole Nursing Home in Birmingham, said: “The most vulnerable members of society need access to the very best possible care and attention. However, these figures highlight major concerns that many such people are not getting the help they need.

“Neglect and abuse can have a devastating impact on vulnerable adults of all ages and we hope that health and social care authorities can work quickly to address how they can improve efforts to identify and tackle cases of abuse before such damage is done.

“This research is wake-up call on the extent of problems of neglect and abuse and we hope that the right response will significantly reduce the number of people affected by such terrible problems.”

If you'd like to discuss making a claim as the result of a loved one suffering abuse or neglect whilst in a care, contact our care & nursing home solicitors. Alternatively visit our Elder Abuse Compensation Claims page for more information.