THE top-level inquiry into mental health services at Bolton General Hospital, announced in the wake of the court case involving a psychiatric nurse, is essential if public confidence is to be restored.

Shaun Darrock was cleared at Manchester Crown Court of murdering a patient but he pleaded guilty to ill-treating another patient by slapping him on the head "Benny Hill style". The judge described him as "totally unfit" to look after elderly people.

Immediately after the case, Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust stated that an independent investigation would begin next month.

The Trust has invited three distinguished professionals in the mental health field to undertake the review, looking at care, procedures and supervision. And, most importantly, Mr John Brunt, Trust Chief Executive, promised that the panel's findings will be made public.

The inquiry is exactly what the hospital workers' union UNISON called for and it is what the public has a right to expect. The staff, patients, authorities and the public need to be reassured that the standard of care for these most vulnerable people is correct and appropriate, and that the level of caring is what we would wish for members of our own families.

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