Councilmembers have demanded an investigation into deficiencies at a mental health facility where patients were seen being mistreated.
A “toxic atmosphere of humiliation, verbal abuse, and bullying” at the Edenfield Centre in Prestwich, close to Manchester.
The health oversight committee of Manchester deemed it a “catastrophic calamity.”
Hospital administrators reported taking prompt action, including the suspension of personnel and the commencement of a clinical review.
Andrew Maloney, deputy chief executive of Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) NHS Foundation Trust, which operates the center, told councilors at a health scrutiny meeting that disciplinary procedures were initiated and “a significant number of staff” were suspended as soon as the trust was informed of the allegations.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he stated that senior staff had been deployed to the center, which had been closed to new admissions, and an independent clinical review of the center had been initiated, with the findings expected to be reported to the trust’s board by the end of this month.
The committee, however, was unsatisfied with the reaction and described the situation at the center as a “catastrophic calamity.”
Pat Karney, a Labour councilor, stated that the “failure of top leadership” requires a public inquiry because it is “unimaginable” that the flaws were not identified.
“Correct wrongs”
Before the investigation, did whistleblowers report these problems to the trust?
The investigation by Greater Manchester Police investigating the allegations is also underway.
Labor councilor Tom Robinson, executive member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care, stated that he would write to the Secretary of State for Health to urge an investigation into the allegations.
He remarked, “Like many others, I watched that documentary and a particular scene made me cry.
“We owe it to those patients who have become victims and to their families courage to… do everything we can in collaboration with the Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust.”
Mr. Maloney stated on behalf of the trust during the meeting, “We are fully committed to doing whatever it takes to correct these wrongs and prevent them from occurring again.”
