Compensation Scheme now open for Survivors of Abuse at Hill End Hospital Adolescent Unit in St Albans

Following on from our blog in August 2024, in which we reported on the horrific abuse suffered by former patients at the Hill End Hospital Adolescent Unit in St Albans (‘Hill End’), we are pleased to confirm that a scheme is now in place to compensate former patients for the abuse they suffered.

Hill End operated from 1969 until 1995 and was intended to treat teenagers under the age of 16 with psychiatric illnesses and mental health issues, most of whom were vulnerable and under care orders.

Dr Peter Bruggen (now deceased), was a Consultant Adolescent psychiatrist who managed Hill End and was known for using ‘unconventional’ methods for treating the patients at Hill End.

According to the Hill End records, high doses of antipsychotic drugs such as chlorpromazine and chloral hydrate were routinely given to patients as a method of control, with many patients reporting the staff injecting them by force, and then further sedating the patients when they woke up.

In addition to being heavily sedated, many former patients at Hill End have reported being subjected to physical and sexual abuse by the staff, including sexual assaults, rapes and unlawful strip searches.

As a result of the numerous claims that have been made in relation to the abuse at Hill End, a scheme has now been agreed by the Hertfordshire Partnership University Foundation Trust and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, to provide monetary compensation to survivors of abuse at Hill End, and to finally receive an apology for what they were forced to endure.

Jordans Solicitors now act for former patients at Hill End Hospital Adolescent Unit in relation to their experiences at the Unit.

Click here to read our previous article about Hill End Hospital.

Our current cases can be found here.