A compensation scheme has been set up for around 90 patients who were abused at a St Albans youth psychiatric facility between the 1960s and 1990s.

A three-year long police investigation found that young people were physically and sexually abused at the Hill End Hospital over a period of two-and-a-half decades.

The investigation began in 2017 after a group of former patients approached law firm Leigh Day with claims that they had been sedated, restrained and subjected to physical and sexual abuse during their time at the facility.

Run by the now deceased Dr Peter Bruggen, the facility took patients from across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and several boroughs in North and West London.

Dubbed 'Operation Meadow', Hertfordshire Constabulary's investigation uncovered that high doses of the antipsychotic drugs Largactil (chlorpromazine) and chloral hydrate were prescribed routinely and administered frequently to patients.

The drugs were sometimes topped up multiple times causing painful and distressing side effects and rendering patients unconscious for hours or days at a time. 

Records also showed that these drugs were administered to control and punish patients.

The Hill End Compensation Scheme will compensate anyone who suffered abuse at the facility between 1969 and 1995.

Leigh Day negotiated the scheme with Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Mr Streeting has also offered an apology to victims.

Former patient Laurence Allen said: “The scheme for me, and I'm sure for others, is the start of a journey towards acknowledgement and closure.

"It is a recognition that what we went through as children happened, that it was wrong and that it has caused unimaginable damage. When we were children, we had no voice.

"Finally, after all these years, we have been listened to and given a voice. I am hoping this settlement will allow me to accept that what happened, put the past behind me once and for all, and become the best version of myself.”

Another former patient, Stan Burridge, said: "Most of us have been dragging around the burden of hurt caused by Hill End Adolescent Unit for many decades.

"I hope our experiences can be used as a catalyst for change and that the focus will now be on addressing the failings of a system that allowed a place like Hill End to exist for so long, and on ensuring that the already damaged lives of children in the care system are not further damaged by those responsible for their care.

"I sincerely hope that this scheme will ease at least some of pain for those of us who have survived and stand as a deserved and lasting tribute to the countless others who aren’t here to see this day finally arrive.”

Anyone who believes they may be eligible for compensation should contact Leigh Day on their dedicated email address Hillend@leighday.co.uk.

Senior solicitor Saoirse Kerrigan led the negotiations for the firm.

She said: “The descriptions our clients have provided of Hill End Adolescent Unit are of a brutal and dark place.

"The evidence we have seen shows that for many years children who went through the unit were routinely sedated as a form of punishment and control, often rendering them unconscious and vulnerable to abuse, and leaving them traumatised for many years to come.

“We hope that the compensation scheme we have been able to agree will make our clients feel that they are finally being heard and give them some sense of accountability and closure.

"We also hope that many more will be able to benefit from the scheme.”

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust said: “The care that took place at Hill End Adolescent Unit between 1969 and 1995 was unacceptable.  

“As the trust who now provide mental health services in Hertfordshire, we are deeply sorry that people had such traumatic experiences of services at Hill End.  We are confident that services are very different today and we are committed to the safety and experience of all those we care for.

“The legal process, with regard to claims, is ongoing.”    

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, there are a number of local organisations which offer support.

Red Kite Rape and Domestic Abuse Support Service can be contacted on on 01279 790450.

Herts Sexual Assault Referral Unit can be contacted on 0330 223 0099,