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Monday 30 November 2020

30 November 2020

Lead MP

Mike Hill
Hartlepool
Lab

Responding Minister

Nadine Dorries

Tags

NHSMental HealthLocal Government
Word Count: 12883
Other Contributors: 12

At a Glance

Mike Hill raised concerns about monday 30 november 2020 in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

I request that the Government calls for a full statutory public inquiry into Essex Mental Health Services without further delay. This will ensure justice and accountability are afforded, and necessary changes are made to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Hartlepool
Opened the debate
Over 100,000 people have signed a petition regarding the death of Matthew Leahy in mental health care. The petitioner seeks a full public inquiry into his son's death and the systemic issues within Essex Mental Health Services that led to multiple avoidable deaths and failures in care since 2000. Melanie Leahy describes how her son was sectioned under the Mental Health Act, admitted to Linden Centre where he died seven days later. The lack of a thorough investigation into these incidents has left families without accountability or recourse for their loved ones' deaths.

Government Response

Nadine Dorries
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Stringer. I congratulate the hon. Member for Hartlepool on securing an important debate and thank all hon. Members present for their valuable contributions. The death of Matthew Leahy in November 2012 was avoidable, as were the deaths of others at the Linden Centre. A public inquiry is now underway covering events from 2000 to 2020, with an independent chair and a full secretariat appointed. An interim report may be provided depending on findings, but we must ensure it does not prejudice any ongoing investigations. Medical examiners have been introduced since April 2019 to improve the circumstances surrounding patient deaths. The inquiry will commence in February 2022 with the appointment of a chair and secretariat before the December recess.
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About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.