Should corporate wilful neglect be a crime?

Abstract

T wo concepts that I often discuss and debate with my students are those of compassion and caring. Almost universally, student nurses report they feel compassion and experience care during their clinical placements. They say they frequently reflect upon the personal difficulties and emotional strain that can be experienced as a result of such involvement. Over the last month these conversations have become more frequent as students throughout the country consider topical newspaper articles and the television coverage attracted by recent events. Whether based in a hospital that was frequently visited by Jimmy Saville or not, nurses everywhere have had to consider that all philanthropical individuals may not be ‘good’ people. In affected hospitals staff have been offered counseling as the magnitude of the reported abuse becomes apparent. The scale now being reported appears unprecedented, as each day another arrest is made and the list of famous names who may have been sullied by this scandal grows. Nurses must question why it was not noted and reported by their colleagues. It would appear that although some staff reported that ‘Sir’ Jimmy left them feeling uncomfortable, he was tolerated because of the fundraising and general good that he was considered to be doing. Only now, are those staff wondering if they should have been more observant and proactive. During the same month the BBC television programme Panorama explored the ongoing plight of some clients with learning disabilities who had been at Winterbourne View, where neglectful care and abuse was exposed a year ago. Again, undercover video recordings were shown that epitomised the poor care received and the lack of respect afforded to these individuals. This programme was a salutary lesson exhibiting how the culture of care is set and governed by the permanent staff within any care context. These staff socialise new employees and students, introducing them to their world. For the most part students see inspiring role models and fit easily into the philosophical orientation and Lyn Karstadt