A specialist NHS hospital for children with psychiatric problems has come under attack in the Waterhouse report into child abuse in north Wales.

Sir Ronald Waterhouse, a retired High Court judge asked to investigate allegations of abuse at more than a dozen homes since 1974, concluded that sexual abuse clearly took place at Gwynfa Residential Unit in Colwyn Bay.

But the inquiry could not reach detailed conclusions about the hospital because one member of staff is still suspended, pending the outcome of an internal inquiry by Clwydian Community Care trust.

There have been five internal investigations or reviews of staff conduct at Gwynfa since 1974. The unit closed in 1997.

The Waterhouse report calls for closer checks on such units, with more social work involvement and trained staff, not just mental health nurses.

But the report, published on Tuesday, found no evidence to support claims of a 'wideranging conspiracy involving prominent people'.

North Wales health authority was unable to comment as H S J went to press.

Lost in Care . The Stationery Office.

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