Joint statement in response to BBC care home investigation

On 13th April 2023, the BBC reported on its investigation into abuse and safeguarding at services in Doncaster. The BBC investigation identified serious issues spanning several years, in services for children and adults with learning disabilities run by the Hesley Group. Since little or no learning had taken place, children and adults were at serious risk of harm.

Here’s a joint statement in response to a BBC investigation, from:

• Dr Margaret Flynn – author of Winterbourne View Hospital SCR and Cawston Park Hospital SAR
• Dame Christine Lenehan – Director of the Council for Disabled Children, Lead Reviewer of Hesley Group Safeguarding children with disabilities and complex health needs in residential settings
• Dr Sheila Fish – SCIE Associate, Learning Together Audits and Reviews, Lead Reviewer of the Whorlton Hall SAR
• Read the joint statement