We carried out an investigation into the services for people with learning disabilities provided by Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust. We worked on the investigation in partnership with the Commission for Social Care Inspection.

The investigation discovered widespread institutional abuse of people with learning disabilities. The report describes many years of abusive practices at the trust and the failure of senior executives to tackle this. Examples included physical abuse and misuse of people's money.

A number of staff working in the homes were found to be caring and well intended. However, they were not working in accordance with best practice. We found that there was an over-reliance on medication to control behaviour, as well as illegal and prolonged use of restraint.

Our follow-up report in March 2008 found that the trust had made substantial progress in addressing failings in services for people with learning disabilities. Health and social care organisations in Cornwall had made strenuous efforts to work together. However, there was considerable work still to do to.

More information

Further information on the investigation is available in the publications listed below:

• Joint investigation into the provision of services for people with learning disabilities at Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust
• Investigation report - Easy read
• Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust Action Plan
• Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust: Review of progress following the Healthcare Commission’s investigation
• Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust: Review of progress (Easy read summary)