Care home in 'Panorama' investigation to close

A care home near Bristol where members of staff were filmed abusing vulnerable adult patients is to close on Friday, its owners have said.

Castlebeck said it had "voluntarily relinquished the hospital registration" of Winterbourne View, in South Gloucestershire, where 13 members of staff have been suspended after an undercover reporter secretly filmed abuse for a Panorama investigation last month.

In a short statement, the County Durham-based firm said: "The hospital will effectively close this Friday, when the last patients are transferred to alternative services.

"Castlebeck has been working closely with families and carers, commissioners and other professionals from the NHS and social services to ensure patients are safely transferred with minimum disruption to their lives."

Avon and Somerset Police have arrested and bailed eight men and three women in connection with the case.

The review comes after the BBC current affairs programme broadcast undercover footage of the apparent misconduct at the Hospital in Hambrook, south Gloucestershire, which appeared to show vulnerable residents being pinned down, slapped, doused in water and taunted.

South Gloucestershire Council has launched a serious case review and said it would be examining "the effectiveness of the safeguarding system and processes" at Winterbourne View hospital.

Last Friday two nurses who worked at the residential hospital were suspended from practising by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.