Private mental health hospitals repeatedly criticised for unsafe care

Private chains treating NHS patients criticised at inquests dozens of times over past 10 years

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The main private mental health hospital chains that treat NHS patients have been criticised by coroners and inquest juries dozens of times over the last decade for providing unsafe care.

The Priory, Cygnet and Elysium have been censured at least 37 times for mistakes and lapses in care that were involved in the death of a patient, including several children.

In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.