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The Guardian - UK

Politics

Louise Tickle

Mother of suicidal girl held in locked hospital room ‘frightened’ for child’s life

Lieven NHS Mental Health England Staffordshire CAMHS

An NHS hospital corridor. — An NHS hospital corridor. The lack of secure therapeutic placements available in England means the only alternative is to leave many vulnerable children on general hospital wards. Photograph: mtreasure/Getty Images/iStockphoto

A mother who has seen her suicidal 12-year-old daughter shuttled between placements and then held in a locked and windowless hospital room says she is frightened for her child’s life.

Since going into care in Staffordshire nine months ago, Becky (not her real name) has attempted to take her own life on several occasions. Her case throws fresh light on the chronic nationwide shortage of secure accommodation for vulnerable children.

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