Abuse inquiry demands secret files after Health refuse summons

Tuesday 17 June 2014

The Independent Jersey Care Inquiry has demanded that secret files held by the Health department must be handed over within seven days after the department refused to comply with a summons for evidence.

The first day of the inquiry into abuse in Island care homes from 1945 right up to the present day was overshadowed by a row between the inquiry – set up with wide-ranging powers to demand documents and force witnesses to give evidence – and the Health and Social Services department and the police.

The row focuses on evidence given to Health by victims and witnesses of abuse under the abuse compensation scheme.

Health and the police told the inquiry that they were concerned about handing over deeply sensitive information given to them by abuse victims and witnesses about what happened to them while they were in care.

A small minority of victims and witnesses had told Health that they didn’t want anything to do with the inquiry.

Frances Oldham QC, an experienced UK lawyer with experience in abuse cases, has made a statement on the inquiry’s website making it clear that she expects the evidence to be handed over.

She said: “Despite expressions of support from the States, these documents have not been forthcoming. The summons that was served is designed to prevent delays so that the Inquiry can get on with its work.”

The first public hearings by the £6m inquiry – is expected to take a year - will take place on Tuesday 22 July.

Anyone with experience or information that might be relevant is urged to get in touch with them. They have a legal team taking witness statements, and you can get in touch with them via their website at http://www.jerseycareinquiry.org.