An independent report has been published today into the island’s acute mental health in-patient facility Manannan Court.

The external review was commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care following concerns raised by whistleblowing staff that were reported by iomtoday back in January.

Dr Tommy Dickinson, independent psychiatric-mental health nurse consultant, found patients’ care plans on the ward need ’urgent improvement’ and the templates used are ’not fit for purpose’.

The report cites a Mental Health Commission visit that found the unit ’chronically over-occupied’, with a high proportion of patients on enhanced level of observation.

Dr Dickinson said given the high proportion on enhanced observation, staffing levels were ’potentially problematic’.

Claims of low staff morale were ’difficult to quantify’, he said.

It was noted that on some occasions, drugs have been brought onto the ward by patients and/or their visitors and this may have been facilitated by the patients’ use of mobile phones.

But the report notes: ‘The observations and findings during the visit to Manannan Court’s Harbour Suite reveal that many aspects have improved since the move from Grianagh Court.

’The environment appears much more fit for purpose and the safety of patients is clearly seen as a priority.’