Police are investigating allegations of historical child abuse at two former NHS mental health units in West Sussex. Sussex Police have confirmed they have spoken to 12 alleged victims so far and believe there may be more people who have yet to come forward.
The investigation focuses on allegations of abuse at the former Larchwood and Colwood units in Haywards Heath, which provided inpatient care and education for vulnerable children during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
Allegations relating to care of vulnerable children
Larchwood and Colwood cared for children and young people who were neurodiverse or living with mental health conditions. Larchwood supported younger children, while Colwood was for adolescents. Both units were located on the same site as the former St Francis Hospital, close to what is now the Princess Royal Hospital.
One former patient, who was nine years old at the time, has told the BBC that he was repeatedly sexually assaulted by a member of staff while a patient at the units. Other former patients have also come forward with similar allegations relating to their time in care.
The BBC has also spoken to a former nurse, referred to as Linda, who worked at Colwood in the late 1990s. She described a culture of poor care, neglect and physical abuse, raising further concerns about the safeguarding of children at the units during that period.
Ongoing police investigation
Sussex Police have confirmed that several potential suspects have been identified, though none are believed to be currently working in positions of trust or to pose an ongoing risk to the public. Two men, now in their 60s and 70s, have been interviewed. No arrests have been made at this stage.
Detective Inspector Cheryl Lewendon said police believe there are more victims who have not yet been identified and urged anyone with information to come forward.
“The passage of time should not prevent victims from receiving justice,” she said.
The force has also acknowledged concerns about how allegations were handled when they were first raised in the 1990s and 2000s.
Larchwood and Colwood were run by NHS organisations that pre-date the current Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. A spokesperson for the Trust said it is supporting the police investigation into allegations of sexual abuse and neglect. Some alleged victims have called for a formal apology from the NHS.
Enable Law comment
Helen Horne, Senior Associate at Enable Law, said:
“These allegations are deeply concerning and highlight the devastating impact that failures in safeguarding can have on children who were already vulnerable and reliant on adults to protect them. Survivors of historical abuse often carry the effects for decades, and it is vital that they are listened to, believed, and supported.”
In February 2025 the government announced that the three year time limit for victims of historic sexual abuse to bring a claim for damages will be removed in England and Wales.
How Enable Law can help
Enable Law is a leading national firm supporting survivors of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, including cases of historical child abuse.
We understand how difficult it can be to come forward, particularly when abuse happened many years ago. Our specialist lawyers provide clear, compassionate advice and help survivors seek justice, secure compensation, and access the therapeutic support they need.
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse – even if it took place in the past – we are here to listen and help.
You can contact us on 0800 044 8488 or fill in the form and a member of our team will call you back at a time that suits you.
