RCN responds to BBC Panorama investigation

Published: 30 October 2012

Physical or verbal abuse of vulnerable people is a blight on society, and made far worse when it is done by those who are employed to care, the Royal College of Nursing has said.

The RCN says that many people with learning disabilities have their lives improved and enriched by the support of dedicated nurses and care assistants, but is calling on regulators, the government and the caring professions to work together to root out abuse and change the attitudes towards vulnerable people.

The comments were made in response to the broadcast of a BBC Panorama programme, “The Hospital That Stopped Caring”.

Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said that nurses were horrified when they saw the original investigation into abuse of vulnerable adults at Winterbourne View.

“This latest investigation has raised further questions about how the abuse was able to continue, and we are very conscious that the nurse who blew the whistle in the first place found that his concerns went unheeded for far too long.

“Last night’s programme shows that there is more to do in ensuring such dire events never happen again,” he said.

The RCN says that caring for vulnerable people requires a workforce which is committed, passionate and well trained, and has reiterated its call for health care assistants to be regulated and trained to a high standard.