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At least 27 black people have died while in psychiatric care since 1980, and the actual figure is likely to be even higher, writes Katie Leason.

There is no central record of the total number of black people who have died while in psychiatric care, and some sources indicate that there have been at least 10 more since 1998.

Reasons for deaths include a shooting by police, drowning, and “therapeutic misadventure” after injections were adminstered in a police van.

The list is attached to the evidence submitted by mental health charity Mind to an independent panel of inquiry into the death of David “Rocky” Bennett, a young back man who died in October 1998 after being restrained, face down, by at least three mental health nurses at the Norvic Clinic in Norwich.

In its evidence, Mind recommends the setting up of an independent public inquiry to look at how black and ethnic minorities are often failed by mental health services. The creation of a central database is also recommended to record any serious incidents and deaths in psychiatric care.

This would be monitored by the health service ombudsman, administered by the Mental Health Act Commission, and would record details such as ethnic origin, routes into care and an account of events from the investigation. The health service ombudsman would be able to recommend action where necessary.

The charity also recommends that institutions should adopt the definition of racism as stated in the Macpherson inquiry into the Stephen Lawrence case, as “any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person”. It adds that anyone subjected to racism should not be penalised for reporting racist incidents, such as being moved to a separate ward.

In addition, Mind states that the Mental Health Act 1983 should be amended to stop doses higher than the levels recommended by the British National Formulary being given without informed consent. There should also be time limits on high dose therapy, with physical checks and a full reassessment of treatment after certain time periods.