Searching for answers on health unit
THOSE who are tasked with running our mental health units take on a job few of us would envy.
Dealing with vulnerable and challenging patients is a demanding line of work that's certainly not for the faint-hearted.
Yet a YEP investigation has revealed worrying statistics regarding one such unit in Leeds.
Official figures show that 519 patients have gone missing from the Becklin Centre in the last three years.
And in the five years up to 2008 there have been 17 deaths from non-natural causes of patients who were receiving or had recently received in-patient treatment there.
Bosses say lessons have been learnt, standards improved and they remain wholly committed to delivering first-rate care.
However, some who have had dealings with the centre harbour deep concerns about the care they or their loved ones have received.
Families of those who are admitted to the unit must be sure that however difficult the circumstances, they are getting the best treatment available.
It may be that standards of care at the Becklin Centre should now come under review by an outside agency – particularly to get to the bottom of how so many patients manage to go missing.
But what is not open to debate is the fact that this situation cannot – and must not – be allowed to continue.
A cruel delay
MORE heartache for the parents of Christi and Bobby Shepherd who were gassed to death in Corfu.
The trial of 12 people charged in connection with the tragedy has been delayed at the request of three of the defendants.
The youngsters – aged just six and seven – suffered carbon monoxide poisoning when it's thought fumes leaked from a next-door room into their holiday apartment.
But despite waiting three years to see justice done for the children, their family have now been told it will be 2010 before the case comes to court.
Their appalling pain at losing Christi and Bobby will never go away but this outrageous delay is only adding to their agony.
Relatives are right when they condemn it as "disrespectful" to the memories of the children.
This delay is not good for the family, the companies involved or for the image of Greek justice.
Tucking in
LEEDS boasts a dazzling selection of some of the country's best restaurants.
So what better way to showcase them than with the Leeds Loves Food festival?
The city will play host to a week-long series of events that are certain to be the highlight of every foodie's year.
And the ladies will be pleased to hear pin-up chef James Martin will be on hand to help the city-wide extravaganza go with a swing.
Although one thing's for sure – he won't be the only tasty dish on the menu.
Email to a friend
Print this page- Leeds United: Whites ponder next move in hunt for new manager LATEST
- Web poll: Who is to blame for Leeds United’s league position? VOTE HERE
- Leeds United: Time for Ken Bates and Co to listen up
- Leeds man remanded on sister murder charge UPDATED
- Leeds United: Aston Villa boss drops hint on Fabian Delph
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Leeds
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 0 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
