NHS Dumfries and Galloway apology over psychiatric unit abuse

A health board has offered an unreserved apology to victims of historical physical and sexual abuse at what was Scotland’s first residential psychiatric unit for children in Dumfries.

The details are included in a report outlining NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s submission to the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.

The long-running inquiry is examining historical allegations of mistreatment of children and young people in care facilities across Scotland.

Ladyfield in Dumfries was established in 1951 as the residential children’s arm of the Crichton Royal Psychiatric Hospital.

In a submission to the inquiry, a representative for the health board described the abuse of vulnerable young people at the unit as “deeply troubling”.

He added that the current health board stood ready to assist Police Scotland and the Crown Office in any ongoing or future criminal investigations that might arise.

In a transcript of her testimony, NHS chief executive Julie White offered “a wholehearted, sincere apology” to all those who were failed.

Ladyfield closed in 2001 and all residential mental health provision for children and young people is now provided outside Dumfries and Galloway.