Former hospital units in Dumfries and a closed Newton Stewart school for children with special needs will be looked at in the next stage of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.
Public hearings in relation to “the provision of residential care in establishments for children and young people with long-term healthcare needs, additional support needs, and disabilities” will begin in spring 2025.
And among the 17 sites being looked at are the Ladyfield east and west units, as well as Hannahfield Hall and Eskdale House – all part of NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s former Crichton Royal Hospital in Dumfries.
Also under the spotlight will be Woodlands School – also known as Monken Hadley and Corsbie Hall – which closed in Newton Stewart around two decades ago.
The case study will look at the nature of all forms of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse including the abusive use of corporal punishment and restraint, with the period being examined by the inquiry’s abuse covering any period up until the end of 2014.
Reporting systems, staff recruitment, training and organisational culture will all be explored, with people who experienced abuse presenting evidence along with experts, regulatory bodies and providers.
Applications for leave to appear for the case study should be made no later than January 24, with more information available at www.childabuseinquiry.scot/procedure/pre-hearing-procedures.