Abuse expert's concerns over accounts of mistreatment at Skye House

As a legal expert specialising in abuse cases, I'm deeply troubled by the accounts of mistreatment at Skye House, Scotland's largest children's psychiatric hospital. 

The allegations of verbal abuse, excessive physical restraints, and over-medication of vulnerable young patients are profoundly concerning and indicative of systemic failures in safeguarding these children.

Patients mocked and treated with cruelty

The testimonies of former patients, who describe being mocked for their suicide attempts and treated with cruelty, highlight a severe failure in providing appropriate and compassionate care. 

Such behaviour not only violates ethical standards but also potentially breaches legal protections designed to safeguard children from abuse and neglect. The use of physical restraints and sedative injections as a first resort, rather than a last, raises serious questions about the training and oversight of the staff involved.

Over-medication concerns

The reported over-medication of patients to the point where they felt like "walking zombies" is particularly alarming while accounts of patients being forced to clean up their own blood and vomit further illustrate a punitive and dehumanizing environment that is wholly inappropriate for a healthcare setting.

As an expert in child abuse law, I'm aware of the long-term psychological and emotional damage that such treatment can inflict on young people. The trauma described by the former patients is likely to have lasting effects, compounding the mental health issues that led to their hospitalisation in the first place.

Necessary first step in protecting vulnerable children

The response from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, including the launch of inquiries and a review of care practices, is a necessary first step. However, it is imperative that these investigations are thorough, transparent, and lead to substantive changes in policy and practice. 

The protection of vulnerable children must be the paramount concern, and any findings of misconduct should result in appropriate legal and professional consequences for those responsible.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting survivors of abuse at our dedicated abuse and criminal injuries section.

One said she wanted the police to be called after an alleged assault but was afraid she would be treated worse.”