Joyce Parker Hospital, a children’s mental health unit in the UK run by Cygnet Health Care, is set to close following allegations of staff physically abusing patients.
The decision comes after multiple reports surfaced, including a Care Quality Commission (CQC) investigation that highlighted staff allegedly dragging children across the floor while restraining them.
Parents have spoken out about their children’s mistreatment, including incidents of physical abuse and neglect.
One mother described her daughter being “covered in bruises” and subjected to harsh treatment, while another parent shared that her son was traumatized after being “dragged by his feet” out of his room.
These allegations follow a broader pattern of poor care, with Cygnet previously facing scrutiny over similar issues at the facility when it served women with mental health conditions.
Despite refuting the abuse claims, Cygnet has announced the closure of the children’s unit, with plans to reopen the hospital for adult services.
The NHS is now working to find alternative placements for the remaining young patients, and the CQC has been contacted for further comment.
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