NHS Whistleblower: The Systemic Failures Behind 2,000 Mental Health Deaths

A public inquiry resumes this week to investigate the deaths of over 2000 mental health inpatients in the care of NHS trusts in Essex. We unpick some of the themes the Lampard Inquiry has been hearing, and speak to a whistleblower about her experiences working on one of the wards. This programme includes material that some listeners may find distressing, including descriptions of suicide. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guests: Melanie Leahy, campaigner and mother of Matthew ‘Anna’, whistleblower and former staff at the Linden Centre Host: Daniel Gordon. Producers: Daniel Gordon Edward Drummond Taryn Siegel 00:00 - Melanie Leahy: A decade-long fight for the truth 04:15 - The Staffing Crisis: Iris Scott's story 09:30 - Whistleblower "Anna" on the reality of the Linden Centre 15:50 - The dangers of temporary "bank" and agency staff 21:10 - Failed Discharges: The case of Amanda Hitch 28:40 - "Low Risk": Why clinical assessments are failing families 33:15 - Environmental Hazards: Ligature points and safety breaches 38:50 - The future of the inquiry and the call for legal change We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised, the following organisations can help: SANE is a charity which provides emotional support and specialist services for people who need help with their mental health and their families. Its helpline, SANEline, is 0300 304 7000. Details of other ways to get in touch can be found at sane.org.uk MIND is another mental health charity offering support, its main information line is 0300 102 1234 Details of other helplines can be found at mind.org.uk The Samaritans provides 24 hour emotional support to people struggling to cope or relatives bereaved by suicide. Call 116 123, or visit samaritans.org. Clips: The Lampard Inquiry. Photo: Joe Giddens/PA Wire. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Read the best of our journalism: https://www.thetimes.com/ Listen live to Times Radio: https://www.thetimes.com/radio/live Subscribe to The Times and The Sunday Times YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_... Find us on Facebook:   / timesandsundaytimes   Find us on X: https://x.com/thetimes Find us on Instagram:   / thetimes