Minister apologises 'unequivocally' and hints at inquiry into mental health unit 'abuse'

The health minister has apologised after alleged abuse at a Greater Manchester mental health unit was exposed - and suggested an inquiry could take place. Will Quince spoke in the House of Commons this morning (October 13) following the BBC Panorama investigation into the Edenfield Centre, in Prestwich, which aired last month.

Police have launched an investigation into the findings and more than 20 staff have been suspended by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) following the documentary, which showed staff secretly filmed by an undercover reporter at the unit. The programme appeared to show patients being bullied, humiliated, swore at, and taunted.

Bury South MP Christian Wakeford had asked Thérèse Coffey, the secretary of state for health and social care, to make a statement on the situation at Edenfield. But it was health minister Will Quince, who works in Ms Coffey's department, who answered at the Commons instead.

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He told MPs he was 'horrified' by the treatment of patients exposed at Edenfield, which he labelled as 'completely unacceptable'. He confirmed the Department of Health and Social Care was working with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) to make sure 'all affected patients are safe' - with clinical reviews completed for all patients.

"Anyone receiving mental health treatment is entitled to dignity and respect," said Mr Quince. "On that principle, there can be no compromise, and this Government will work with whoever it takes to put this right."

Mr Wakeford told the Commons that the Panorama investigation had 'brought tears across the