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ANGER: The Rowan Ward Relatives and Carers Group.
ANGER: The Rowan Ward Relatives and Carers Group.

‘When will mental health chiefs learn?’

Emma Scott
7/ 7/2005

PATIENT representatives have criticised a Government publication reviewing mental health services for the elderly in the wake of the abuse of patients at Rowan Ward.

The report was launched on Wednesday, July 6, following an inspection into services across the country.

But Val Bayliss-Brideaux, who organised the Rowan Ward Relatives and Carers Group, said the views and feelings of relatives and carers of those abused at the hospital in 2002 were still being ignored.

Mrs Bayliss-Brideaux said: "We need to remember that these elderly patients were at their most frail and vulnerable time of their lives and could not speak out against their abusers.

"They were unable to defend themselves, so suffered horrendous injuries such as third-degree burns, black eyes, cut and swollen lips, bruised noses and feet.

"They could not communicate their pain and distress to their sons, daughters, wives and husbands, so were unable to give evidence to the police for a prosecution to take place and for evidence to be given at staff disciplinary procedures."

Mrs Bayliss-Brideaux said the report dedicated just 37 words to stating how service users and carers should be more involved in how they are treated.

Mrs Bayliss-Brideaux said: "This is tokenism and surely 37 words from any of the carers or relatives who, for the past three years, have had to endure the torture of living through this experience, would have made a lasting impact on the 'target audience' this report is aimed at."

She said the key issue missing from the report was the need for independent, regular support for patients who have no carers or relatives.

Mrs Bayliss-Brideaux also said that Greater Manchester SHA had not informed the pressure group that the report, called Moving On: Key Learning from Rowan Ward, was due for publication or let carers or relatives have a copy beforehand. She claims they also refused to return phone calls to the group to discuss the matter.

It was not until Thursday, June 30 that members were sent a copy and a press statement by Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust.

She said she was also disappointed the report was not being launched in Manchester.

Measures laid out in report for improving services include:

  • Closely working with the National Institute for Mental Health in England (NIMHE) in developing good staffing practice and development.
  • The inclusion of patients and carers in developing in-patient services through forums with the attendance of an Older Person Champion.
  • Improved collaboration with primary care trusts, acute trusts and the SHA to ensure a multi-agency approach is taken on the older person's agenda for Manchester.
  • The development of a leader for older people or modern matrons.

The report also poses a set of questions commissioners and service providers should ask themselves when checking standards.

Laura Roberts, chief executive of MMHSCT said: "We welcome this publication and its findings. We are working closely with the National Institute for Mental Health in England to ensure measures have been put in place so that similar situations do not occur in the future.

"It is important that all patients, regardless of age and condition are treated with the highest dignity and respect."


| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(2)


Most recent 2 of 2 user comments

   My mum was sectioned initially to cavendish ward at Withington Hospital. A few months later she was transfered to Rowan Ward, where she lived for about 7 years. I went to one of the first meetings regarding abuse on Rowan ward, and myself and my sister were told it was a recent problem. My mum had a few injuries previous to this, they where questioned, but she walked into a wall etc,. My mum's wedding ring disappeared off her finger, she had to have an operation for a broken hip, because she fell. My mum was only 59 when she went in there. The upset and guilt I am feeling is so overwhelming. We probably will never know what went on. At a nhs hospital I though she would get the best care. I feel so guilty. Dee
Dee, Stockport
29/07/2005 at 01:25
   My family are also persuing the Rowan Ward atrocities through our solicitors. Our father was a patient on Rowan Ward during the time the abuse was taking place. Unfortunately our attempts are being thwarted due to the fact that our late fathers nursing and medical notes for the last 3 years of his life have vanished off the face of the earth. We have, through our solicitor been in communication with the trusts solicitors in an attempt to find these notes. I have photographs of dads injuries, but have had no satisfactory response to our questions.
mrs christine etheridge, wigan
7/07/2005 at 23:36
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