Police launch probe into “horrific” abuse of patients by staff at care facility

A police investigation has been launched after an undercover investigation by BBC Panorama1 showed adults with learning disabilities and autism being abused by staff at a specialist hospital in the north east of England.

The footage screened on 22 May showed patients being mocked, intimidated, and restrained by staff at Whorlton Hall, a private secure hospital in County Durham that provides NHS funded care.

Sixteen care workers at the facility have subsequently been suspended and police are now investigating the abuse, which received widespread condemnation from government, medical leaders, and others.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC), which rated …