Scandal-hit children’s hospital sanctioned by watchdog after ‘systemic abuse’ revealed

Staffordshire children’s hospital faces action after expose by The Independent

The Huntercombe Group is facing a legal challenge from nine former patients (Getty Images)

A scandal-hit hospital group has been sanctioned by inspectors after The Independent revealed “systemic abuse” at a string of children’s mental health units.

England’s safety watchdog issued an official warning to Ivetsey Bank Hospital in Staffordshire, formerly run by The Huntercombe Group, after an extensive investigation by this newspaper found the private hospital had put the safety of young mental health patients at risk.

The Care Quality Commission also downgraded the hospital’s rating to “inadequate”. If improvements are not made in line with the warning notice, the hospital could be forced to close.