Wotton Lawn hospital under investigation over abuse concerns

Warning: This article contains details of self-harm and attempted suicide which some readers may find upsetting. An acute mental health hospital described by one patient as "manic" and "absolute torture" is being investigated over safety concerns. Wotton Lawn in Gloucester is subject to a statutory Section 42 enquiry for the first time in its history, a process which starts when a local authority has concerns for an adult's welfare or thinks they could be at risk of abuse or neglect and unable to protect themselves. The enquiry at the hospital, which includes a secure psychiatric intensive care unit, began in February. It started when Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation (GHC) trust told Gloucestershire County Council's safeguarding team it was investigating concerns over a "a range of issues". One patient said one member of staff was openly abusive to her. Councillor Kate Usmar, cabinet member for adults' support & independence at the council, said its investigations will "seek assurances that patients at Wotton Lawn Hospital are being cared for safely". The trust's leaders said they are fully cooperating with the enquiry and said the investigation related to their repor