Petition To Prime Minister Opened.

On 23rd October, Mr. Ivan Lewis, Under Secretary of State for Health, released figures showing that the numbers of deaths in mental health institutions during 2005-6 were 1,980. This is higher than previously thought and goes further in establishing the true scale of the crisis in our mental health institutions up and down the country.

Mr. Lewis provided the information in answer to a Parliamentary Question tabled by member of parliament for Islington North Jeremy Corbyn which can be viewed here. Although figures have been dropping in the last few years (from a high of 2,970 in the year 2001/2) the high number suggests that far too many are still entering our mental health institutions and are never leaving.

The information provides further support for my family's proposition that all cases where people die in mental health institutions should be properly investigated by coroners. We say that this can only happen if inquests into deaths of people in mental health institutions happen before a jury, in exactly the same way as is automatic for prisoners who die in prison.

We are therefore today launching a petition (click here to sign) to ask that the law be changed to make this happen. The Coroner's Bill is currently being drafted and is expected to be announced in the Queen's Speech next week. Please sign the petition and get your friends and family to as well. Every signature will support the cause that these deaths simply cannot go unnoticed and a proper investigation is vital.

I will write again when we know the dates for our High Court hearing, which we are just waiting for now. In the meantime, thanks for the ongoing messages of support.

Steven