NHS worker filmed and shared patient's mental health breakdown

---

A hospital worker filmed and shared secret footage of a patient’s mental breakdown, causing the patient to feel “dirty, angry and confused.” Julie Trafford, who had been sectioned at the Becklin Centre in Leeds, experienced crisis moments that were captured on video after being admitted. The staff member responsible for filming and sharing the footage continued working at the hospital, despite the breach. The NHS trust, which apologised, confirmed that it has upheld five complaints about Trafford’s care.

Mrs Trafford, who has suffered from mental health issues since her twenties, said that the situation left her feeling trapped and wanting to escape the ward. Her husband, Andrew Trafford, expressed shock that the worker who breached his wife’s privacy still had a job. In response, the Care Quality Commission upheld several complaints against the hospital, including whether the staff member responsible for filming and sharing the footage remains in a patient-facing role. The hospital is required to respond to these recommendations within a month.

Marjorie Wallace, CEO of Sane, a mental health charity, called the matter “profoundly sad and shocking.” She noted that the charity was receiving more reports of people who are too afraid to trust inpatient psychiatric services with their loved ones’ care. Mrs Trafford, whose mental health is now stable, said she had lost trust in the Becklin Centre and “wouldn’t want anyone to go there if this can happen.”

The Information Commissioner’s Office is assessing the incident, and Mrs Trafford’s local MP, Richard Burgon, has written to the hospital for more information. The Department of Health noted that it was a “hugely concerning” case and stressed the importance of looking after those with mental health issues with dignity and respect

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More

---