Scandal-hit hospitals accused of ‘inhuman and degrading treatment’ by dozens of patients

The owner of a group of privately-run children’s mental health hospitals is facing legal action by dozens of former patients, who claim they suffered inhuman and degrading treatement at the facilities.

Hospitals formerly run by The Huntercombe Group face at least 54 individual clinical negligence claims, The Independent can reveal.

Patients treated within several of the hospitals, now owned by Active Care Group, came forward to solicitors Hutchoen Law following several exposés by this publication, revealing allegations of “systemic abuse.”

Documents submitted to Manchester Civil Court on Thursday before Judge Nigel Bird, who will decide if permission is be granted for claims to be brought, revealed allegations including:

• Assault and battery, relating to the inappropriate and unnecessary forced feedings and physical restraint.
• False imprisonment.
• Breaches of the Human Rights Act including prohibition of inhuman and degrading treatment.

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Source: The Independent, 13 June 2024