Staff at mental health unit sacked following airing of Panorama investigation which appeared to show alleged abuse of patients

Staff have been sacked following claims in a BBC Panorama programme patients were abused at an NHS mental health unit. More than 20 members of staff were suspended at the Edenfield Centre, on the grounds of the former Prestwich Hospital.

Confirmation of sackings comes as demands grow for a public inquiry. Manchester council will ask the government for exactly that following the Panorama investigation. The show was aired last month.

The number of people dismissed has not been revealed.

There are fears, a council committee hearing was told, alleged abuse of patients at the Edenfield Centre is happening at other Greater Manchester mental health treatment units.

Some staff were filmed by an undercover Panorama reporter embedded in the unit from March to June of this year. The footage appeared to show patients being bullied, humiliated, swore at and taunted by some members of staff.

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In a briefing note issued by Neil Thwaite, chief executive of Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust, which runs the unit, stakeholders are told: "I can now confirm that, following formal disciplinary procedures, the trust has dismissed a number of staff. A number of other staff remain suspended pending further investigation.

"Given the legal sensitivities, the trust cannot provide further detailed information, but I want to assure you that pursuing this rapid course of disciplinary action is just one part of our plan for recovery and remediation."

He adds: "The trust board continues to work closely with NHS England, the Ministry of Justice, NHS Greater Manchester (our local Integrated Care Board), GMP and Bury Safeguarding Unit. Our principal