EVIDENCE started to be put before the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) this week in relation to incidents at care units in Dumfries and Newton Stewart.
And NHS Dumfries and Galloway chief executive Julie White was called to speak at Wednesday’s hearing in Edinburgh on behalf of the regional organisation. The transcription of her appearance is yet to be released.
The SCAI panel are investigating what happened at Woodlands School in Newton Stewart (also known previously as Monken Hadley and Corsbie Hall), as well as at four units of the Crichton Royal Hospital in Dumfries: Ladyfield East, Hannahfield Hall, Ladyfield West and Eskdale House.
It forms part of phase nine of the long running inquiry, which relates to abuse within residential care establishments for children and young people with long-term healthcare needs, additional support needs, and disabilities.
A spokesperson for SCAI said: “Over the next three weeks our focus will be on healthcare settings – primarily those which provided for children with learning disabilities or mental health needs.
“This will cover provision by three NHS institutions – Lennox Castle, Ladyfield (and other units at the Crichton Royal) – and the Royal Scottish National Hospital.
“In late May, the focus will move to other settings, including residential schools providing for children with additional support needs.
“Towards the end of the case study, later in the summer, we will hear evidence relative to residential schools which provided specialist residential care for deaf or visually impaired children.”
The period examined extends from within living memory until the end of 2014.
And they are exploring the nature and extent of all forms of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, including the abusive use of corporal punishment and restraint.
There will be evidence given by individuals who experienced and/or witnessed abuse when in residential care in one of these settings. Also speaking will be relevant experts, from regulatory bodies, and from providers.
The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry has, so far, held 522 days of hearings. Its overall aim and purpose is to raise public awareness of the abuse of children in care and to create a national public record of what happened to them.
Above: SCAI chair Lady Smith
