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Funds for mental patient safety pledged by government

by Monisha on Nov 4 2006 3:17 PM

Thirty million pounds have been pledged to mental hospitals around the country by British government to ensure improved safety for inmates. A report published early this year by National Patient Safety Agency alleged that there have been incidents of attempted rape and specifically mentioned 19 incidents which caused ripples in the mental health department and has catapulted this decision from the government.

Mental Health director Louis Appleby have told the media that this decision will certainly augment and foster even better care and facilities especially for female patients who crave for an assurance that they will be kept safe from sexual advances.

Although ample care is being ensured today measures to improve locks on doors and added security personnel at mental hospitals will help to minimise fear that is generated from stories of sexual abuse and aggressive outbursts that float around the wards of hospitals. The promised funds would in addition to safety measures provide support systems to patients if they require guidance and a forum to discuss or testify about stay incidents of sexual abuse or violence so that it many be resolved suitably. Numerous mental health charity organizations have welcomed this move heartily saying this would assure mental patients that they are being taken seriously.

In addition to the extra safety measures, patients are to be provided with more support if they want to report an incident and guidance will be issued to ensure all incidents and allegations are managed appropriately.

Source-Medindia
MST


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