Conditions in mental health wards a scandal - Lamb

Commenting on statistics released today by the Healthcare Commission showing that more than half of nurses on mental health wards report being physically assaulted at work, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb said:

"Conditions in mental health wards are an ongoing scandal for both staff and patients. Mental healthcare is still a Cinderella service. Violence and intimidation would simply not be tolerated to this degree in other part of the NHS. It is clear that NHS staff are not being provided with the protection that is vital for them to do their jobs. Equally, patients are not being treated in the right conditions to keep their disorder under control.

"Last week the Liberal Democrats called for mental healthcare to be a core health service priority and not a neglected afterthought. Patients should have an individual entitlement to safe and dignified treatment in mental health hospitals and other facilities. As part of this we are committed to treating patients in wards which are safe and secure."