Manchester police probe client’s death

Police are investigating claims that a mentally ill patient died
after he was given painkillers to subdue his behaviour.

Bolton, Salford and Trafford NHS Mental Health Trust has
suspended three members of staff after the 77-year-old man died at
Woodlands Hospital in Little Hulton, Greater Manchester, last
Thursday.

The matter is now being investigated by Greater Manchester
Police and detectives are awaiting the results of a post-mortem
examination.

The trust said that five days before the man died they had been
made aware of “clinical concerns” involving patient care on his
ward, and had taken immediate action. A helpline has been set up by
the trust as a result of the claims.