GHA investigation after patient is locked out of Ocean Views

The Gibraltar Health Authority has launched an investigation after a vulnerable patient was left unattended in a wheelchair for several hours at night outside the Ocean Views mental health facility.

Three workers at the facility have been suspended from care duties and positions of responsibility while the investigation is under way.

The incident, which occurred on October 19, has been under investigation for several days but was only publicly confirmed after the Chronicle put questions to the Gibraltar Government.

It has caused deep concern at senior levels in the GHA and the government, which has championed its reform both of mental healthcare facilities and legislation.

Ministers and GHA managers have demanded a detailed report on how and why the patient came to be locked out of the building.

The GHA said Ocean Views was staffed by caring and well-qualified professionals.

But a key concern will be to establish whether this was an isolated incident or whether there are any systemic failings that need to be addressed.

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