Hospital inpatient conditions

Ward Watch campaign 2004-2005

In 2004/05 Mind's Ward Watch campaign highlighted issues about hospital inpatient conditions, and fought for improvements. It was an incredibly successful campaign, with many groups from across England and Wales campaigning for changes in their areas.

At government level, Mind lobbied policiticans and civil servants about the changes that were needed. Mind influenced positive developments such as improving hospital inspection arrangements, and better training for nurses.

NPSA report into patient safety, 2006

In 2006, we were concerned about the report by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) into assaults on service users on mental health wards. The government claimed that 99 per cent of wards complied with their own guidance on provision of single-sex accommodation. We didn't think the situation was good enough. and asked for people to share their experiences of assaults, harrassment and single-sex provision to help with the campaign for safer mental health wards. If you would like to share your experience, please email us or call us on 020 8215 2424.

Please read our press releases for more information on our view on the NPSA report.

Further research backs up Mind's findings
Since the publication of the Ward Watch report, a number of other organisations have reported similar findings, showing that there continues to be a real need for improvements, as well as examples of good practice. Read the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health Acute Care 2004 report and the Royal College of Psychiatrists Audit of Violence.

What should hospital inpatient units be like?
You can find details of Government policy on hospital  inpatient conditions here. This explains what guidelines mental health hospitals should be using, and what quality of service you should expect to receive.

Mental health policy implementation guide: Adult acute inpatient care provision (Department of Health)

Safety, privacy and dignity in mental health units: guidance on mixed sex accommodation for mental health services (Department of Health)

Clean Hospitals (NHS Estates)

Not just Bricks and Mortar (Royal College of Psychiatrists)

Mind's Ward Watch campaign 2004/05

Some the activities from the successful campaign are shown below.

View the Ward Watch art competition online gallery

Campaigners hand in a Ward Watch 'Wish you were here?' postcard to Tony Blair

Policy work since Ward Watch
The campaign finished in 2005, but the policy and lobbying work continues (PDF file).

Contact: Alison Cobb a.cobb@mind.org.uk