The Healthcare Commission closed the 13-bed Harleston Unit at St Luke'sHospital in Norfolk due to "serious concerns" about staff failing toreceive training in child protection issues and specialist methods ofcare. The move is the first time the watchdog has urgently shut down aprivate inpatient facility.
David Congdon, head of campaigns and policy at Mencap, said there wasconsiderable concern about the growth of specialised beds in the privatesector.
Private units usually take patients from a wide area, meaning childrenwere placed a long way from where they lived. This also meant it washarder for parents to check on them.
Congdon blamed poor planning of facilities by local authorities andhealth trusts for the problem.
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