A Failure to Enquire? What we don’t know about Winterbourne View
Once again the abuse of people with learning disabilities had been in the headlines with the convictions of staff from the former Winterbourne View Hospital near Bristol and the publication (7th August 2012) of the Serious Case Review (SRC) report by South Gloucestershire Council. This followed the criminal and other investigations after the BBC’s Panorama programme broadcast horrific images in May 2011. Unfortunately the SCR is sadly deficient and as so often in previous reports of this type, is a bulky document with high-level pronouncements and vague recommendations that seems to fulfil the brief for ritual handwringing that will soon be followed by forgetfulness across the system – until the next time.
Before looking at the inadequacies of this SCR report, it is important to celebrate those who have gone the extra mile to stand up for vulnerable people. Terry Bryan (the whistle-blower) showed great courage in reporting his concerns and working with the Panorama team. The police, CPS and the courts have done a good job in securing the criminal convictions of eleven abusive staff in a (relatively) short time-span. The reporters from Panorama and their BBC managers have demonstrated that investigative journalism (including covert surveillance) can have a positive role to play in exposing abuse and criminality. Lord Justice Leveson may wish to note this splendid exception to the misbehaviour on the part of the news media on which he is otherwise focused.
Published : 31st October 2012
Author : Terry McClatchey [ More From This Author ]
Publisher : T M McClatchey [ More From This Publisher ]
Rights : T M McClatchey
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