Mind comments on leaked inquiry findings into the death of Rocky Bennett

Posted Friday 6 February 2004

Commenting on leaked findings in advance of the NHS inquiry verdict into the death of David ‘Rocky’ Bennett, Richard Brook, chief executive of Mind said,

"Rocky Bennett’s death - as utterly tragic as it is - comes of as no great surprise to anyone with any knowledge of mental healthcare in this country. Black and minority ethnic people are still routinely over-diagnosed and detained under section, many years after concerns were first voiced by Mind and others over racism in the NHS, both direct and institutional. It is a national disgrace that 27 black men have died in psychiatric care since the early 1980s.

But this case is not exclusively about race. Nor is it simply about the utterly unacceptable use of violence as a means of controlling patients. Fundamental and systemic issues of NHS management are highlighted that require urgent action.

The lid needs to be lifted on what exactly it is that is going on in our secure hospitals. A black mental health tsar will be ineffective unless the Government acts to remedy the failings at the very heart of our mental health system."

Ends

For further information or access to a Mind spokesperson contact the Mind press team on 0208 522 1743

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