News Release, 18 July 2006
In response to the publication of the National Patient Safety Agency’s report With safety in mind: mental health services and patient safety, Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, today said:
“We welcome this report, which is the first of its kind to explore the issue of patient safety within mental health services. However, we believe that these levels of violence and abuse are the tip of the iceberg and it is scandalous that such abuse is allowed to take place. If a woman went into hospital for a heart operation and was raped during her stay, it would be a national scandal. But women who are raped while in mental health services are simply not believed. People with mental health problems are treated as second class citizens and this discrimination is unacceptable in this day and age.
“It is time that a zero tolerance policy was implemented to protect men and women in acute inpatient units. Managers need to take responsibility for their staff and ensure abuse is eradicated. This should be an environment where people who are at their most vulnerable can feel safe and protected. Violence and abuse cannot be allowed to continue.”
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Notes to editors
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the Press Office on 020 7803 1128 / 1130 or email the press office
The Mental Health Foundation is the leading UK charity working to improve services for both people with mental health problems and people with learning disabilities. It is the only charity to fund and work with both service users and providers and plays an important role in funding research and new approaches to prevention, treatment and care. The Foundation’s work includes allocating grants for research and community projects; contributing to the public debate; educating policy makers and healthcare professionals and striving to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness.
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