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Rise in unexplained deaths of psychiatric in-patients |
| Black community concerns about rise in unexplained deaths of psychiatric in-patients | | |
New figures published by the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness (NCISH), has revealed that the number of unexplained deaths of psychiatric in-patients has reached its highest level in eight years.
This report found that there had been an increase in the number of sudden unexplained deaths of psychiatric in-patients, although the authors say it is unclear whether this reflects a true increase in numbers or is attributable to improved reporting. In the eight years to 2006, there were a total of 338 unexplained deaths, equivalent to 42 per year. Race equality groups have responded to this new data with concern as people from African Caribbean communities continue to be over represented within high and medium secure psychiatric settings. There is a fear that this disturbing increase is likely to hit the black community hardest and increase the community's mistrust in the services. Findings from the latest Count Me In (The National Mental Health and Learning Disability Ethnicity Census) report, show detention rates for black people have continued to rise despite the government's five year drive to address the inequalities in the treatment of black people who come in contact with mental health services. Write Comment (0 Comments) |
