Case study - Winterbourne View hospital Flashcards
This was a facility for individuals with learning disabilities. A BBC Panorama documentary uncovered examples of serious abuse taking place within the hospital.
1
Q
How did the patients feel disempowerment?
A
- Patients would feel powerless to do anything about the abuse they experienced as it is carried out by several staff members (while others just let it happen).
- Would feel their complaints are not being followed up
- Their care needs are not being met and they had their choice taken away (cannot decide for themselves when to get up, get dressed, etc.)
2
Q
How did the patients feel low self-esteem and low self-confidence?
A
- The patient will feel self-conscious about her weight when the care worker says they will choke her on her fat
- Feeling unable to do anything for themselves and completely reliant on abusive staff and others who let the abuse happen
- Trying to fight back against the abuse but other staff attack them so eventually will likely give up
3
Q
How did the patients feel poor health and wellbeing?
A
- Physical injuries caused to the patients - bruising, etc. from being dragged across the room by the arm
- Staff member ‘wrestling’ with the patient, slapping them or poking them in the eye will cause harm
- Choking and punishing the patient who was upset/distressed (could not breathe)
- Patient experienced broken arm as a result of the restraint used
4
Q
How did the patients feel effects on mental health?
A
- Boredom as a result of a lack of stimulation or activities for them to do
- One of the patients was visibly upset and panicked when her favourite bottle was taken away
- Extremely frightened of what is happening and of being bullied and tormented by staff
- Family members also extremely upset and angry, blaming themselves for putting their loved one in the care home
5
Q
What happened as a result of the abuse being uncovered?
A
Following the abuse uncovered in the documentary, eleven care workers from Winterbourne View were arrested and sentenced after admitting 38 charges of neglect and abuse. Six were jailed for between six months and two years, while the others received suspended sentences. It led to a serious case review of care homes by the CQC and Winterbourne View hospital is now closed.
