The Government will produce an interim report on the former Winterbourne View residential hospital and other services for people with learning disabilities in the summer, care services minister Paul Burstow has revealed.
In a written ministerial statement on Winterbourne View, Burstow confirmed that the trial of the 2 former care workers at Winterbourne View has been set for August 6 at Bristol Crown Court. The 9 former employees who have pleaded guilty will also be sentenced then. Once the trial has concluded, Burstow added that he expected the serious case review, chaired by Dr Margaret Flynn, to be published.
The findings of the serious case review, along with evidence from the other investigations and reports that have been undertaken will then be considered in the Department of Health’s final review of Winterbourne View. This will be published soon after the serious case review, Burstow wrote. But before this, “in recognition of the seriousness of the issue”, the Department of Health plans to publish an interim report, Burstow added. This will be based on the findings of the Care Quality Commission’s summary report on its programme of 150 inspections of learning disability residential facilities, which found evidence of poor practice in some units. The report will set out proposed actions and solutions.
