Justice for former residents of Hill End Adolescent Unit – Compensation Scheme Available

Former residents of Hill End Adolescent Unit are seeking compensation for medical mistreatment and abuse

Former residents of Hill End Adolescent Unit are seeking legal representation to claim compensation for mistreatment, sexual and physical abuse at the facility throughout its years of operation.

What was Hill End Adolescent Unit?

Hill End Adolescent Unit was intended as a facility to treat teenagers with psychiatric illnesses and mental health conditions under sixteen  years of age, most of which were classed as vulnerable or under care orders.

The facility operated from 1969 until 1995, at which point it was converted into a housing estate.

What happened at Hill End Adolescent Unit and who was Dr. Peter Bruggen?

Dr. Peter Bruggen, a consultant adolescent psychiatrist who has now passed away, was the manager at Hill End. Since his death in 2018, it has been revealed that Bruggen was known for using unconventional methods to treat patients.

Hill End’s own records demonstrate the routine administration of high-dose antipsychotics. Patients were sedated for the purposes of punishment or control, and were done so to reduce anxiety for members of staff rather than providing therapeutic assistance to the patients they were supposed to be caring for.

Former patients commonly reported that staff instructed to drink sedatives. Where this was refused, they were forcibly injected with them instead. Having woken up from sedation, many survivors also reported discovering that their clothes had been removed, with further sedation being administered by staff.

As well as the use of sedatives, many former patients have also reported sexual and physical abuse at the hands of staff, such as unlawful strip searches, sexual assaults and rapes.

Were any investigations into Hill End carried out?

Yes. An investigation by Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit was launched in 2017, named Operation Meadow. This was a three-year investigation into Hill End after the reports by former patients of excessive sedation and historic abuse by staff began to pour in.

During the course of the investigation, it was learned that patients as young as ten years old were routinely given adult doses of sedatives, concluding that sedation administered by staff did not meet the required standard during the operating period of the facility.

Is there a compensation scheme for survivors and former patients?

Yes, a compensation scheme has been agreed by Hertfordshire Partnership University Foundation Trust and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

Monetary compensation and an apology will be made available to those patients who suffered at the hands of staff throughout the history of the facility.

If you require any further information about this compensation scheme or wish to start proceedings, please do give our team a call on 0113 200 9720. We will be sure to handle your enquiry with the utmost confidentiality and sensitivity.

Are there any charities or organisations that can help me through a difficult time?

Regardless of how long it has been since an incident occurred, survivors of physical and sexual abuse are never alone. If you are going through a difficult time – turn to love and support of family and friends if possible.

If you feel like you may have nobody to discuss your difficulties with, there are other ways to find support, guidance and signposting to help. Here are just a few:

Charities and organisations:

• Mind: 0300 123 3393
• Samaritans: 116 123
• SANEline: 0300 304 7000

Can I make a claim for physical or sexual abuse?

If you are a survivor of abuse in the past, whether that be sexual abuse or physical assault, you may be entitled to claim compensation for the impact it had upon your health.

A claim can be made for the physical impact to your health but also, and often more importantly, it can also be made for any damage it may have caused to your mental health.

Compensation can be claimed for personal injury and also any financial losses you may have suffered as a result of your ill health. Speak to one of our experts today and they will happily discuss your circumstances on 0113 200 9720.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I sue for for sexual abuse that happened whilst in the care of a residential unit?

Yes, you can. It can take many years to come to terms with abuse before deciding to take action. Our team will talk through this with you upon your initial enquiry to make sure you are comfortable and happy to proceed.

• What evidence do I need?

Having reported an incident to the police could help your case going forward. It is never too late to report such a crime. Other evidence can include witnesses, diary entries, GP appointments, counselling, or other related healthcare appointments which resulted from your trauma.

Our team will work to gain other records that may help your case, all of which will be fully discussed with you.

Why should I choose Oakwood Solicitors to make a claim for abuse?

Our expert team of Solicitors and support staff have years of experience working with survivors of sexual and physical abuse. We work with a trauma-informed approach, ensuring that we handle each individual case with the added understanding of the impact that trauma can have.

We offer:

• Free, confidential initial advice
• No-win, no-fee on accepted cases
• Extensive experience with Historic Sexual Abuse cases

Further reading

Historic Abuse claims – Oakwood Solicitors

Source article – St. Albans Times

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If you were subjected to physical or sexual abuse or mistreatment whilst staying at Hill End Adolescent Unit, get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation.

Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help.