A new BBC Panorama undercover investigation has found evidence that a secure NHS psychiatric hospital in Greater Manchester has been failing in its duty of care for patients.
Secret filming revealed evidence of a toxic staff culture, patients being taunted and bullied, inappropriate use of restraint and falsification of important medical paperwork. Experts who have reviewed Panorama's findings have questioned the hospital's safety, saying the evidence suggests its core therapeutic mission is being corrupted.
Mental health charity Mind have called for a full statutory public inquiry into systemic failings of inpatient mental health services across England. Vicki Nash, Associate Director of Policy, Campaigns and Public Affairs at Mind, said that the footage is "shocking and extremely concerning", and shared their concerns regarding "the apparently excessive and punitive use of restraint and seclusion for people with mental health problems and autism." She states "We know these dangerous measures are traumatising, likely to make people’s mental health even worse, and can even be fatal - either directly or indirectly."
There are fears that documentaries like this could be highlighting a pattern of unaceptable practice in mental health services. Nash warns "it's been 10 years since the scandalous treatment taking place at Winterbourne View was exposed. But Winterbourne and Edenfield are not isolated cases as campaigners and families have repeatedly made clear; and the CQC's restraint, segregation and seclusion review (2020) confirmed. It's clear we still have a long way to go when it comes to delivering the minimum quality of care we expect – a safe and therapeutic environment conducive to recovery. We now must see a full examination of the systemic failings of inpatient mental health services in England. Mind is also urging the UK government to deliver on its promise of a reformed mental health bill, which aims to give people greater choice and control in the treatment they receive when detained under section."
The full documentary can be found on BBC iPlayer.
