THE families of two patients who died while being treated at a North-East psychiatric unit will today lobby the Government for a public inquiry into the hospital.
Keven Knowles, 29, suffered fatal burns at Cherry Knowle Hospital, Ryhope, Sunderland, in October last year, while Paul Spence, 36, plunged to his death from cliffs two years ago, hours after leaving the unit.
An independent inquiry has been launched into allegations of abuse and neglect. The cases of 11 other patients involved in serious incidents are being investigated.
The families of Mr Knowles and Mr Spence will hand over a 3,500-name petition to Health Minister Jacki Smith, calling for a top-level Government inquiry into the hospital, run by Priority Healthcare Wearside.
Keven's mother, June, of Millfield, Sunderland, said: "We hope she will look into it, come back with answers, and give us a Government inquiry."
The families have met with members of the inquiry team, which is expected to report in September.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article