News Date: Wednesday 25th May 2005
Report reveals one in three mental health inpatients experience violent or threatening behaviour whilst in care
Commenting on the Healthcare Commission Report published today, Shadow Health Minister Tim Loughton said:
'It is unacceptable that one in three mental health inpatients experience violent or threatening behaviour whilst in care. This is the second independent report published in the last 24 hours to highlight the desperate problems occurring in our inpatient mental health wards. Psychiatric patients feel intimidated and harassed whilst in the care of the state, and according to the Healthcare Commission report, this is mainly due to staffing issues. Urgent action is required. Instead of the high turnover of agency staff we need to ensure continuity of care.
'Patients have the right to feel safe and comfortable whilst in hospital, and eight years on, it is clear the Government does not consider this a priority.'
For further information, please contact Alice Ferrero on 020 7219 1622
