OUR revelations today of the huge increase in reported abuse of the elderly and disabled in Worcestershire are extremely worrying. New figures show there has been a 72 per cent increase in the number of potential abuse cases being reported to social care services in the county.

Most of the alleged cases involved elderly people. There were 442 cases in the last year, up from 257 the year before, and a huge leap from only 97 reported cases of abuse two years ago.

The figures are shocking, particularly as many of the abuse cases involve care homes.

While we understand NHS Worcestershire’s view that the huge increase in cases shows more people are willing to report abuse of the elderly and disabled, we do not think applying positive spin to this issue should be a priority for the health authority.

Of course abuse should be reported so it can be dealt with. But what kind of a society have we become when hundreds of the most vulnerable members of our communities are being abused either physically or mentally?

This appalling treatment of the elderly and disabled represents a tiny fraction of the people in Worcestershire in need of care. Most are treated properly by extremely caring and dedicated people.

But those guilty of abusing the vulnerable need to be dealt with by the courts. Part of their punishment has to be a lifetime ban from dealing with the elderly and disabled.