A psychiatric unit in Glasgow, meant to provide care for vulnerable teenagers, is now at the center of disturbing allegations. Former patients of Skye House, Scotland’s largest children’s psychiatric hospital, claim they were mocked, restrained excessively, and subjected to cruel treatment by nurses.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has issued an apology, calling the claims “deeply concerning,” and has launched two investigations following a BBC Disclosure report.
Patients Speak Out on Alleged Mistreatment
Young people who were treated at the 24-bed facility between 2017 and 2024 have described an environment of fear and trauma. Many were admitted under the Mental Health Act, meaning they were not allowed to leave until deemed fit by doctors.
One former patient, being treated for anorexia, recalled feeling like an “animal” under the care of the unit. Others reported being called “pathetic” and “disgusting,” with some nurses allegedly ridiculing suicide attempts.
“I’d say the culture of the nursing team was quite toxic. A lot of them, to be honest, were quite cruel a lot of the time,” one patient shared.
Excessive Restraint and Alleged Assaults
Several former patients described routine use of physical restraint, often involving multiple nurses pinning individuals to the floor or a bed. While guidelines suggest restraint should only be a last resort, some claim it was frequently the first response.
- One patient reported being restrained over 400 times in an 18-month period.
- Some were left bruised, while others described having hair pulled out during altercations.
- Injections and heavy sedation were allegedly used to “keep patients quiet” during night shifts.
Cara, a former patient who spent more than two years at Skye House, said one nurse left visible handprints on her neck during a restraint. When she asked to report an assault to the police, she ultimately backed down, fearing retaliation from staff.
Claims of Punishment Instead of Care
Patients also described being treated punitively for their mental health conditions. Some reported being forced to clean up their own blood after self-harm incidents. Others claimed they were heavily medicated to keep them compliant rather than being offered therapeutic support.
“It traumatises you. You can’t forget it,” said Cara, now 21, reflecting on her time in the unit.
A table of key allegations based on patient testimonies:
| Allegation | Reported Impact on Patients |
|---|---|
| Verbal Abuse | Emotional distress, worsened self-esteem |
| Excessive Restraint | Physical injuries, long-term trauma |
| Forced Sedation | Memory loss, feeling like “zombies” |
| Punitive Actions | Increased fear, reluctance to seek help |
NHS Response and Ongoing Investigations
In response to the BBC report, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde issued a statement expressing regret over the experiences shared by former patients. Two inquiries have been launched to examine the claims in detail.
“We are incredibly sorry for any distress that has been caused and are fully committed to investigating these allegations thoroughly,” the health board stated.
While the investigations continue, former patients and advocacy groups are calling for urgent reforms to ensure future patients receive compassionate, safe care at Skye House.
