MacIntyre Undercover: Care

Donal MacIntyre’s investigation in which he infiltrated the privatised care industry to uncover physical and emotional abuse and neglect of adults with mental disabilities was broadcast on the 16th October 1999.

This programme generated a massive response from the public.

The BBC received 10,860 phone calls in response to the programme - a record for one programme.

There was overwhelming support for the programme, with many callers commenting that although they found it very distressing it was worthwhile and had to be shown. Several callers were concerned about their relatives who if, not already in a home, may have to go into one in the future. Callers wanted information about the precautions that they would have to make before making a decision on the care home that should be used.

A large number of calls came from people concerned about residents and individual members of staff in a wide range of institutions. Others felt that when complaints had been made, no actions appeared to be taken.

Many callers commented that, for some time, they had been waiting for an opportunity to voice their concerns and the Action line following this programme had given them the means of doing so. There were a few calls from people who were very concerned about the future of their disabled child when they were no longer around to look after them. A large number of people want the BBC to follow up this programme and a record number of callers left their details, eager to highlight their situation and perhaps be included in any such follow up.

Having operated Action Line help-line numbers following a large variety of sensitive and controversial programmes, the stories detailed in this feedback according to the operators included some of the most harrowing, emotional and heartbreaking that the BBC has ever received.

Some of the calls made to the BBC - 16th October 1999.

Examples:

· “I work in the care industry and I am disturbed by what I saw on TV tonight. I have seen similar circumstances elsewhere, but didn’t realise it happened in other homes, A big company took over the home I worked in and introduced its own restraint procedures which caused injury to residents, who had learning difficulties, behavioural problems, etc. A group of 6 staff fought this for over 12 months. After working there for 5 years, I felt helpless to try to help these residents and almost had a breakdown over this.”

· “What was the result of the programme tonight as regards these people being prosecuted for violence towards the residents? I would like to take action myself.”

· “In my experience the people who work in and run these homes are not trained an should be trained nurses at least. As for the inspections they should be unannounced but everyone knows they are coming. They shouldn’t inspect themselves. There should be a national register of all homes so you can check details of a home in any area.”

· “Why are we letting this abuse go on?”

· “I’m a registered learning disability nurse and I was in tears by the end of the programme. The carers in the programme were so untrained and unsuitable. The government must introduce tighter legislation and controls over homes. I’ve never seen a programme like this.”

· “Abuse has been going on for a long time in various homes. I think staff who look after people in homes are not qualified enough and the whole issue should be looked into a lot further.”

· “I was disgusted and disturbed by the programme. These people should not be employed. It was so horrific.”

· “MacIntyre Undercover is excellent to highlight what’s going on. Hopefully what should come from it is guidance on how people with learning difficulties should be treated.”

· “This programme seems to have set us back 100’s of years. This is unbelievable, what is happening at these homes. I think MacIntyre should now assess a good place. I know of excellent private establishments. There are other good ways for people to live and be supported without going into a home. I run a support services group for parents and families of children and adults who have learning difficulties. People react well if they are treated well.”

· “I am disabled myself and I thought that the way people were treated was disgraceful. It made me sick. Angry, violent even. It is the staff to blame I thought that people were treated nicely but the staff should be sacked and the home closed down. The staff should do their job and treat people like human beings.”

· “I am an ex care worker and I used to run a residential home. Having seen your programme I am now thinking could I have done any more. I feel so guilty. I wish I had never seen the programme.”

· “I have an autistic son, who was assaulted in previous accommodation. Social services held and investigation, but it came down to the word of my son against that of the member of staff.”

· “The programme really upset me. My son is Schizophrenic and in residential care in another part of the country. I don’t think he’s abused but how can I be sure? I have so many doubts now.”

· “I have a daughter of 20 but she’s just like a 4 year old. She will probably have to go into care and after seeing that programme I’m really worried. Donal MacIntyre was so good. You could see it was difficult for him but I want to thank him for making me aware and vigilant should my daughter go into care.”

· “I used to work for a private nursing home and to be honest standards were appalling. After seeing that programme I feel I should report it to someone. Who should I complain to.”

· “This was an excellent programme. I think it’s brilliant that something was done about that home. I hope it’s shut down.”