Two care workers are facing charges after shocking footage from BBC’s Panorama revealed alleged mistreatment of patients at an NHS mental health facility. The damning expose highlighted awful scenes at The Edenfield Centre in Prestwich, Greater Manchester, where vulnerable individuals were reportedly mocked, bullied, and inappropriately restrained.
Sheryl Price, 45, a support worker from Bolton, has been charged with 14 counts of ill-treatment. Alongside her, nurse Sara Coleman, 43, from Stretford, faces five similar charges. Both are set to appear in court next March.
The allegations come after undercover filming exposed troubling conditions at the centre. Detective Inspector Julie Adams stated that the police have been on this case since 2022, working alongside other agencies to protect the patients and investigate any criminal behaviour.
Following the exposé, NHS England ordered an independent review of the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation. This review, released in early 2024, unearthed issues like chronic staff shortages, poor morale, and ineffective leadership. Patients and families had felt ignored when raising alarms, and the investigation outlined 11 recommendations for urgent improvements.
Jan Ditheridge, chief executive of the trust, offered a sincere apology and assured that plans are underway to address all issues. Both the community and authorities are keen to see these changes implemented swiftly.
If you’ve got concerns about care, reach out to the authorities or Crimestoppers. It’s vital that every patient receives the dignity and care they deserve.