Statement on Panorama: Undercover Hospital

Last night BBC’s Panorama aired their undercover investigation into the treatment of patients at the Edenfield Secure Mental Health Centre and we know this will have brought up painful memories and impacted people who have experienced these kinds of services, people who have supported their loved ones and for professionals that work hard to support vulnerable people with mental health issues. It was hard for us all to watch.

As charities and community groups working in the field of mental health in Greater Manchester, we want everyone to know that we are here to support you. We want to remind everyone in Greater Manchester that we continue to work as hard as we can to ensure people who face any kind of mental illness to have their rights and dignity respected.

What we saw on Panorama last night was unacceptable and we are aware that various investigations are already underway, including a Greater Manchester Police investigation into potential criminal offences. Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting Operation Crawton.

We all have a right to expect safeguarding, professional standards and codes of conduct are observed in the delivery of care and support. We will be watching the response by Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust and ask that they take urgent and comprehensive measures to ensure that all services, not just those in Edenfield, are able to operate in a way which ensures that care, respect and dignity inform every decision and every action.

We stand ready to assist with that where we can – and to call it out if we do not see progress.

We also call on local leaders to plan for a fully independent investigation, working with VCSE organisations in Greater Manchester, to be carried out at the most immediate opportunity following any criminal investigation.

We also believe strongly that the Government must review the funding for mental health provision in the UK. To put it plainly, mental health services do not get the budgets or priority that they deserve. This should not be an economic decision, it is a matter of justice.

We reiterate that anyone with information about this investigation should contact 101 quoting Operation Crawton and Greater Manchester Victims Services can be contact via 0161 200 1950.

The voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in Greater Manchester is ready to support any individual affected by this programme and we encourage people to reach out – don’t suffer in silence.

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