AN "unprecedented" number of reported cases of adult abuse in west Hertfordshire nursing homes has prompted tighter controls on staff recruitment processes, writes Tim Bowdler

The Hertfordshire Inspection Unit's interim report revealed four separate incidents of alleged abuse by staff on adults and added: "Allegations of adult abuse is a new concern."

West Hertfordshire Health Authority refused to name the privately-run homes involved and would not describe the nature of the abuse.

Police investigated three of the claims of abuse, but there was insufficient evidence to prosecute.

A source working in the care industry in west Hertfordshire, who wished to remain unidentified, said: "Abuse can take a number of forms but the fact that the police have been involved in some of these investigations would point towards sexual abuse or abuse of a violent nature."

The report that goes before West Hertfordshire Health Authority on Friday says: "The unprecedented number of alleged abused complaints led the inspection unit to ask the homes to re-examine their staff recruitment and selection processes with a view to screen out unsuitable applications.

"Homes have also been asked to improve their staff supervision processes as well as their care record keeping. A trend has not been substantiated but the inspection unit will monitor closely in the next six months to see if a similar level of cases arises again."

All nursing homes in Hertfordshire were inspected during the first half of the 1997/98 financial year.

During the 12-month period, nursing homes are inspected twice - one is announced prior to the visit, the other is unannounced. In west Hertfordshire there were 19 announced inspections and 23 unannounced inspections.

The report adds: "The unprecedented number of unannounced inspections was due mainly to the incidents of alleged abuse."

A health authority spokesman said the increase in reported cases was due to the growing public awareness of abuse. She said: "People are more aware of these kinds of issues. There are countywide efforts to work on adult abuse protocol."

Incidents of alleged adult abuse were among 23 complaints about nursing homes in Hertfordshire in the first six months of 1997/98, compared to 31 complaints made during the 12 month period in 1996/97.

Other complaints relate to care practices, staffing levels, unsatisfactory premises and management response to patients and relatives.

In West Hertfordshire eight of the 14 complaints recorded were substantiated.

The report said: "The number of complaints and concerns have increased over the same period compared with last year.

"One of the concerns is the unprecedented number of alleged cases in the first quarter of this year. The homes have been taking steps to improve their staff recruitment and supervision processes. This situation is to be monitored very closely."

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