Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Kate Lally

Hospital staff filmed pinning 'vulnerable' woman to floor

An investigation into a secure mental health hospital has uncovered "abusive and inappropriate treatment of vulnerable patients", according to the BBC.

One young woman was locked in a seclusion room for 17 days, was then allowed out for a day, only to be hauled back in for another ten days. Hidden camera footage also shows staff describe 23-year-old Harley as a "cancer" who "needs a good thrashing".

Secret filming by BBC Panorama captured the moment Harley was forced into a seclusion room at the Edenfield Centre in Prestwich. The hidden camera had already recorded staff justifying their actions and agreeing they would not try to reason with her this time.

READ MORE: Pro boxer came from 'dark place' to offer army veterans 'second chance' at life

With Harley sat on the floor, hospital staff piled through the door and two male nurses grabbed her by the arms. She begged them to "let [her] get up", but managers at the secure unit had already decided there would be "no negotiation".

As she struggled, other nurses and support staff joined in. With her arms, legs and head restrained, she was pinned to the floor, face down. Sobbing, Harley told them: "You didn't even give me a chance".

Warning: This story contains references to self-harm

She had already spent much of the past fortnight locked in a bare room, with little more than a mattress on the floor. The walls are scrawled with marker pen. On one side, there is a locked window that lets in natural light, but no fresh air. On another, an observation window runs almost from floor to ceiling.

Panorama's undercover reporter was told that Harley had previously been aggressive towards staff - but, this time they said she was being isolated for screaming and being verbally abusive. Seclusion should only be used when it is of "immediate necessity" to contain behaviour that is likely to harm others, with patients locked away for the shortest time necessary, guidelines say.

Harley in isolation (BBC)

Harley had been detained in a secure unit under the Mental Health Act due to serious and sustained self-harming. She first self-harmed at primary school and would sometimes struggle to contain her emotions and behaviour.

A doctor later diagnosed autism. The developmental disability affects people in different ways, but can create difficulties with social communication and make some situations overwhelming. From the age of 12, she was in and out of hospitals, and special schools.

Her family said things deteriorated rapidly when she turned 18 and moved to a hospital with other adults. They believe the transition, and a lack of support, triggered a crisis.

The transfer to Edenfield gave fresh hope. But Harley soon began complaining of poor treatment by nursing and support staff. In the three months BBC Panorama was filming, Harley was placed in seclusion three times.

In one 28-day period, she spent 27 days in a seclusion room, sometimes with short breaks and with only one day out after the first 17 days. Harley said she was "treated like an animal".

After viewing the BBC footage, John Baker, a professor of mental health nursing at the University of Leeds, said it felt like staff appeared to have had "no other plan apart from to keep [Harley] locked up for days on end". Professor Baker added: "I don't think there's any need for that at that moment in time. It's not like she was harming herself or harming other people."

A number of staff members have been suspended, and the trust said it was working with Greater Manchester Police, NHS England and the Care Quality Commission. An independent clinical review of the hospital has also been commissioned.

The trust said: "We owe it to our patients, their families and carers, the public and our staff that these allegations are fully investigated to ensure we provide the best care, every day, for all the communities we serve."

In a statement, the Department for Health and Social Care said the use of force, including seclusion "must always be used proportionately, in accordance with the law, and only ever as a last resort".

Where to get mental health support

The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website

  • Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
  • CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably (0800 58 58 58) is a leading movement against suicide. It runs a UK helpline and webchat from 5pm to midnight 365 days a year for anyone who has hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.
  • PANDAS (0808 1961 776) runs a free helpline and offers a support service for people who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression plus support for their family or network.
  • Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.
  • PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
  • Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
  • Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
  • Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
  • Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has been affected by a suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk for more details.
  • Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text HOPE to 85258 to find relevant services near you.
  • Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: support@ypas.org.uk
  • Paul's Place - providing free counselling and group sessions to anyone living in Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: paulsplace@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk
  • The Martin Gallier Project - offering face to face support for individuals considering suicide and their families. Opening hours 9.30-16.30, 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 email: triage@gallierhouse.co.uk
  • James' Place - supports men over 18 who are experiencing a suicidal crisis by providing quick access to therapy and support. Call 0151 303 5757 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm or visit https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/
  • Undercover Hospital: Patients at Risk airs tonight (Wednesday) at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

    Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here

    READ NEXT:

    British holidaymakers travelling to Spain issued money warning

    Vet shares five dog breeds he would never own

    When the second £324 cost of living payment will be paid

    Jet2 flight to Manchester Airport forced to divert after 'serious medical situation'

    This Morning fans panic as Martin Lewis 'lost for words' over cost of living crisis

    Sign up to read this article
    Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
    Already a member? Sign in here
    Related Stories
    Top stories on inkl right now
    Our Picks
    Fourteen days free
    Download the app
    One app. One membership.
    100+ trusted global sources.