The UK human rights watchdog has written to a health trust after people with autism and learning disabilities suffered abuse at one of its hospitals.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has contacted the Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust over its treatment of patients at the Edenfield Centre, in Prestwich.
Baroness Kishwer Falkner has suggested the Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust may face action over the treatment of its patients
Staff used restraint inappropriately
A BBC Panorama TV documentary raised concerns last September when it showed staff at the centre using restraint inappropriately and swearing at and slapping patients.
Other patients had to endure prolonged periods of seclusion in confined rooms.
The EHRC then wrote to the trust and received assurance that it was taking immediate action.
Watchdog asks for assurances
In a statement, the EHRC said it then decided against further action to allow the trust to implement the measures.
But the watchdog has now written to the trust again, asking for assurances that the measures have been effective.
Baroness Kishwer Falkner chairs the EHRC. She said: “All patients must be treated with respect and dignity. The information we receive in response to our letter will determine any future regulatory action we may need to take.”
Trust ‘has worked hard’
Andrew Maloney is the deputy chief executive at Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust.
He said the trust would respond to the EHRC’s letter.
Maloney added that the trust has worked hard to improve patient safety. He said a recent inspection by health watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC) upgraded the trust’s rating for forensic services from “inadequate” to “requires improvement”.
He added: “However, we know there is more work to be done, and are very sorry for the failings reflected in the CQC’s recent reports.”
Maloney said the trust is “thoroughly committed” to its improvement plan for patients, carers and staff.
But the CQC recently rated the trust overall as “inadequate”.
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Published: 21 August 2023
