Company History

Care Principles was founded in 1997 by a dedicated group of professionals with extensive specialist experience of providing services for people with learning disabilities in both the NHS and the independent healthcare sector.

The first hospital, in Suffolk, began admitting patients in December 1997, followed by new, purpose-built sites in Staffordshire, Kent, East Yorkshire and Norfolk.  These developments have enabled the company to establish its expertise and reputation as the leading independent provider of specialist secure services for people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour in the UK.

In 2005, we broadened our service offering by introducing specialist secure services for people with personality disorders and autistic spectrum disorders, in response to increasing demand from referrers for dedicated specialist services.

Also in 2005, we acquired Ermine Care, a provider of community-based specialist services for adults with learning disabilities and complex care needs.

Since then, we have commissioned additional facilities across the country and we now offer an extended integrated care pathway for service users that includes secure hospitals, locked and open hospitals, specialist care homes, and a domiciliary supported living service.   This care pathway provides a consistent therapeutic approach between placements and allows individuals to be cared for in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their needs. 

Our organisation now has over 430 beds and employs more than 1500 staff across the Group, providing assessment, treatment, care and rehabilitation for people with a range of challenging behaviours and complex needs.