Mental health unit renamed after abuse scandal

The name change is part of efforts to rebuild at the secure mental health unit

A secure mental health unit where a "toxic culture" saw patients abused in 2022 has been given a new name as it continues efforts to improve its practices.

The Edenfield Centre in Prestwich, Greater Manchester, was the subject of a BBC Panorama investigation which revealed how patients were humiliated and bullied.

It was rated inadequate again earlier this year despite some improvements.

The unit has now been rebranded as the Riverside Centre, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust said.

The trust said the decision to rename the secure adult mental health inpatient unit followed "extensive engagement" with about 45% of inpatients, carers and staff.

"We have listened to their thoughts, feelings and ideas," it said in a statement.

"They told us that they would like a new name which reflects their views and wishes to look forwards."

'Moving forward'

Trust chief executive Karen Howell said the name change was about "recognising that we're moving forward, reflecting on the past" and working with users and staff to rebuild.

Criticisms of the centre during its last inspection by the Care Quality Commission included issues with patient safety and pressures on staff, with some still feeling unable to speak up about concerns.

Staff were also asked to carry out observations for hours without a break, with other issues including ligature risks not being identified and unsafe management of medicines.

Some staff at the centre were sacked after the 2022 Panorama investigation was broadcast.

The programme sparked an independent report, led by Prof Oliver Shanley OBE, who found the trust repeatedly missed opportunities to act on concerns and had a culture of "suppressing bad news".

It said Panorama had exposed the "most shocking abuse and poor care" of vulnerable patients and that concerns raised by families were "not always taken seriously".