An investigation into reports of physical and sexual abuse against patients in St Albans is ongoing.
In the four months since Op Meadow was launched last November, Herts Police has been contacted by 66 people who spent time at Hill End Hospital Adolescent Unit in St Albans.
The force is conducting a criminal investigation into reports of physical and sexual abuse against those who stayed at the unit between 1969 and 1995.
Detective Chief Inspector Jerome Kent said: “Most of these reports relate to allegations regarding the treatment young people received while at the unit.
“We are continuing to speak to and support those who have come forward and are also working with partners within the health service to fully explore these allegations.
“This is an ongoing investigation and it would be inappropriate to go into any further details about the nature of the allegations at this stage. However, we felt it was important to keep the public updated as much as possible as the Operation Meadow investigation progresses.”
Assistant Chief Constable Bill Jephson added: “We take all reports of sexual and physical abuse seriously regardless of how long ago the offence may have occurred. I appreciate that re-visiting non-recent crimes may be a traumatic ordeal for victims but we have officers who are specially trained to deal with these types of crimes while supporting victims through the investigative process.”
Those who believe they have been a victim of this type of abuse can make contact with police by calling 101, using our online reporting option through the Op Meadow web pages, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
A central email – opmeadow@herts.pnn.police.uk – has been set up in order to receive any referrals and to answer queries. This email address will be monitored seven days a week and specialist officers aim to be in contact with any reporting person within 72 hours of their initial contact. (Please note this email is for use by members of the public in relation to Hill End and should not be used by the media)
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