Calls for public inquiry into mental health services in Norfolk and Suffolk get a boost
Campaigners have long called for an inquiry
Last updated 15th Sep 2023
Calls for a public inquiry into mental health services in Norfolk and Suffolk have received a boost.
It's as members of the Norfolk Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC), have voted to back campaigners' calls for an inquiry.
Mental health campaigners across Norfolk and Suffolk have long called for the inquiry, and held a demonstration outside parliament back in July last year to raise awareness for their cause.
The move comes after NHS bosses in charge of the services in Norfolk and Suffolk were scrutinised by members of the HOSC yesterday - amid allegations a report into failings was 'toned down' to protect senior staff.
The report, put together by accountancy firm Grant Thornton and released in June, found the trust had lost track of the number of deaths of patients either under or formerly under its care.
Reporting by the BBC last month alleged that earlier drafts of the report were much more critical of management at NSFT.
What did Grant Thornton say?
At the time, a spokesperson for Grant Thornton said: “Our final report and the conclusions within it provide transparency and clarity on the long-standing historical concerns raised about the Trust’s reporting."
"We take professional pride that our work has played a part in bringing attention to these issues and we hope our work will contribute to the improvement of services for the people of Norfolk and Suffolk.
“It is standard practice to share an initial draft of a report to ensure it is a fair and accurate reflection of the processes reviewed, and that the findings from the report result in improvement and change where it is required.
"It is not uncommon for findings and language to be refined before being finalised."
What did the NSFT say?
Stuart Richardson, Chief Executive Officer at NSFT, said: “Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with those family and friends who have lost their loved ones and who have been upset by the publication of this review on how the Trust processes mortality data.
“At our request, the NHS Integrated Care Boards commissioned the independent report by auditors Grant Thornton. It sets out recommendations which will help us to improve systems and processes related to the collection, processing, and reporting of mortality data.
“We have accepted the findings and recommendations in full, and work is underway to urgently address them. It is important to note that none of the recommendations have changed from the early drafts of the report to the final published version.
“As is common practice, we responded to requests from the auditors to check the factual accuracy of their early draft report and to provide further information. This is a standard process to make sure that such reports are evidence-based and that content accurately reflects the situation relating to the data being reviewed.
“We have been open and honest about the failings highlighted in this report, and are committed to bringing about the improvements that our service users and staff deserve.”