Ten hospital staff arrested following BBC Panorama documentary into alleged abuse of vulnerable patients

The 17-bed hospital is one of many such units in England that provide care for almost 2,300 adults with learning disabilities and autism. (Picture: PA)

Police have arrested 10 workers at a private hospital following a BBC Panorama documentary into alleged abuse of vulnerable patients.

Durham Police said the investigation included allegations of physical and psychological abuse of patients at Whorlton Hall hospital near Barnard Castle.

The force said seven men and three women were arrested in Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, Darlington and Stockton on Friday, and that all those questioned were members of staff.

Health Minister Caroline Dinenage apologised on behalf of the NHS after the documentary showed staff mocking, taunting, intimidating and repeatedly restraining patients at the unit for people with learning difficulties.

Experts said the culture at the privately-run NHS-funded unit was deviant with evidence of 'psychological torture'. (PA)

Addressing the House of Commons on Thursday, she said:"On behalf of the health and care system, I am deeply sorry that this has happened".

She added that the actions revealed by the BBC programme were "quite simply appalling".

The force said it was seeking the cooperation of the Panorama team to gather further evidence.

A police spokesman said: "As this is an ongoing inquiry, we are unable to comment further at this time, other than to repeat that our immediate priority has been to work with other agencies to safeguard the victims at the centre of the allegations and their families.

"The investigation is at an early stage and is expected to take some time to complete".

BBC reporter Olivia Davies worked shifts undercover between December and February. (PA)

Footage recorded by BBC reporter Olivia Davies, who spent two months undercover in the unit, showed one staff member call a patient a "fat c***".

Another patient was told by her care worker that her family are "f****** poison".

Services for people with learning disabilities are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Dr Paul Lelliott, the CQC's deputy chief inspector of hospitals, told Panorama: "On this occasion it is quite clear that we did not pick up the abuse that was happening at Whorlton Hall.

"All I can do is apologise deeply to the people concerned."

The Department for Health and Social Care said it treated allegations of abuse with the "utmost seriousness", but could not comment any further because of the police investigation.