Shining a light on Mental Health
Our team of specialist solicitors are equipped to assist in all kinds of Mental Health matters for those who need a voice.
You are not Alone
We help our vulnerable clients in a wide range of mental health related matters.
Your Mental Health is our Priority
Our team is led by Mental Health Panel Members whose dedication to their clients and their families is matched only by their legal expertise.
Specialising in Mental Capacity
Our team draws upon its extensive expertise to provide specialist advice and representation in relation to all Mental Capacity matters.
Mental Health Solicitors
SANE welcomes police investigation into Linden Centre deaths (30 May 2017)
Date: 30/05/2017
Mental health charity SANE has welcomed a police investigation into a series of deaths at the Linden Centre mental health unit in Essex – which the charity says has been repeatedly criticised over the handling of patient safety.
On Friday, 19 May, an inquest jury ruled that the state had failed to protect the life of Richard Wade, who died in May 2015.
The jury concluded, “Richard’s risk of suicide was not properly and adequately assessed and reviewed”.
Responding to the inquest verdict – and other patient deaths involving ligatures at the Linden Centre – Chief Executive of SANE, Marjorie Wallace, said:
“We are pleased that the verdict was so uncompromising – this was a disturbing failure by those managing this unit; and, in the light of previous deaths in similar circumstances, a failure to value the lives of patients and learn lessons from the past.
“It does not take huge resources or staffing to remove a door handle or coat hook already identified as being a source of danger.
“We are concerned that such cases may reflect a culture apathetic about the risk that patients may pose.
“SANE supports the efforts of the families of those who lost their lives in this way – but are saddened at the lengths they have had to go to prevent further unnecessary deaths.”
Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors
Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.
Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals to advise on mental health law – and are available across England and Wales at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.
In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.
For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 020 3114 1124.