54 per cent of patients at Mount Carmel Hospital stated that there are privacy issues related to using washing or toilet facilities, the Mental Health Commissioner revealed.

The annual report for 2017 published by the Officer of the Commission for Mental Health carried out interviews with patients and established that patients complained that since showers do not lock, a number of patients walk in on one another during shower time.

Furthermore, the report found that nurses knock and enter without waiting. A number of patients also could not understand why they were not allowed to shower in the evening.

Another issue that was raised by patients at Mount Carmel Hospital was the lack of activities within the hospital.

Some patients also stated that certain food offered was not suitable for diabetics and that they wished that more healthy foods are available. A number of patients also complained about the high canteen prices.

Responsible carers

Responsible carers were also interviewed as part of the report and another shortcoming was identified indicating that 63 per cent of responsible carers were not informed what treatment their loved one requires.

“These results indicate an urgent need for the responsible carers to be better involved and empowered to carry out their full duties in this crucial area of patients rights,” the Commissioner notes.

Whilst 80 per cent of the interviewed responsible carers knew what their duties entailed, 57 per cent said that their duties were not explained to them.

Furthermore, 80 per cent had not heard of the Customer Care Unit and 53 per cent did not know how to contact the unit.

Staff interviews were also carried out revealing that 61 per cent of staff felt that they needed training on patient rights.

Consent forms

Whilst patients appear to be more aware of their condition and their rights, the quality of the process of electing treatment was cause for concern.

The report found that during the interviews 48 per cent of patients claimed they had signed a document accepting that treatment be given but on file review, it was actually 84 per cent of these same patients that had signed consent forms.

“Operational review is required since patients may be too disturbed at admission to remember they actually signed consent,’ the Commissioner explains.

The Commissioner stated that “Certain requirements by law which can be easily implemented such as proper consent taking and the appointment of a responsible carer, are still not being done ubiquitously. Also, patient and responsible carer empowerment needs to be strengthened through more information dissemination so that they are more aware of their rights and of seeking forms of redress.”