Nursing home described as "army camp"

Abuse Case Prompts Government Review

It follows revelations that people with severe learning disabilities had been badly mistreated at two Buckinghamshire homes.

The nursing home's director was sentenced for mistreating and wilfully neglecting residents at two private care homes in Buckinghamshire.

Angela Rowe was jailed for two and a half years and her colleague was jailed for fifteen months on three counts of mistreating residents.

The junior health minister Paul Boateng accused Buckinghamshire County Council, where the abuse took place, of "gross and unacceptable failure".

"Action must be taken to ensure that we learn the lessons from those failures," he said.

During the trial, the jury had heard how Down's Syndrome patients and others, including one who was blind lost all dignity in the authoritarian and punitive regime at the two homes.

The atmosphere at the homes was described as being more like an army camp than a nursing home.

Residents suffered a catalogue of abuse including being slapped, having their hair pulled and having jugs of water thrown over them.

Boateng: Government concerned

"The Government will act"

They were denied toilet paper and essential toiletries and one woman with Down's Syndrome was made to eat her meals outside, even in the pouring rain.

Mr Boateng told BBC Radio 4's PM Programme: "I have asked not only that there will be an expectation of a review of what is taking place across the board for the regulatory framework of social services ... but we should call in Buckinghamshire social services in order to make sure that Buckinghamshire has undertaken the changes necessary and recommended by our inspectorate and put their house in order."

He continued: "It is very disturbing, which is why this new Government is absolutely determined to change the regulatory framework in the cases like those caring for our most vulnerable people in our society."

Mental health campaigners have welcomed the Government's decision.

"Laws are supposed to protect our society. This is a reflection of society's negative values towards two groups, those with learning disabilities and the mentally ill," said Steve Billington, director of campaigns at the mental health charity. Mencap.

"It is essential that 1983 Mental Health Act is amended so that these vulnerable groups can be better protected," he said.

Speaking outside the court after the sentences were passed, relatives of the victims said they were delighted at the outcome and would now be pursuing civil claims against Angela Rowe.