Government outlines new plans to address abuse in care sector

The government has published an interim report from its review into the quality of care provided to patients with autism and learning disabilities, announcing a series of actions aimed at stamping out cases of abuse.

New proposals outlined by the Department of Health include the promotion of open access for families and visitors, the introduction of unannounced Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections and the embedding of quality of health principles into NHS contracts and guidance.

Additionally, a national public commitment to deliver proper care for people with learning disabilities or autism and challenging behaviour will be made by key partner organisations this autumn.

This follows a CQC inspection of hospitals similar to the infamous Winterbourne View – where widespread abuse was discovered last year – which found that half of the establishments were unable to meet appropriate standards of care.

Paul Burstow said: "Our national actions … will make sure those who provide care, commission care and care staff know exactly what part they must play and what standards are expected of them."

Last month, the government outlined plans to make data on NHS and social care services more widely available in order to improve care quality across the UK.