A health board has initiated two separate investigations after allegations of cruelty emerged at a mental health facility for teenagers in Glasgow. The probes follow a BBC documentary from the Disclosure team, which featured former patients of Skye House – a 24-bed psychiatric unit on the grounds of Stobhill Hospital that provides care for 12 to 18-year-olds. Several ex-patients have described their time at the unit as traumatic, with one even calling it “hell.”
The documentary, which covered admissions between 2017 and 2024, revealed deeply disturbing accounts of the treatment received by vulnerable young people. Former patients reported that staff were quick to resort to forceful restraint, over-medicate, and use abusive language. These allegations have raised serious concerns about the standards of care at Skye House, prompting NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to act swiftly.
Among the distressing accounts was that of a young woman identified as Cara. She recounted how, following an episode of self-harm, she was labelled “disgusting” and forced to clean up her own blood. “They would give me wipes, and I’d be made to wipe the floor. It felt like a punishment, as if I’d done it on purpose. I just felt like I was constantly punished for things,” she told the BBC. Another former patient, Jenna, who spent nine months at the unit beginning at the age of 16, described her experience as “hell, like a prison kind of environment.”
In response to these revelations, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has issued a public apology to those affected and announced that two probes have been launched. One investigation will examine the overall quality of care at Skye House, while an independent review of the unit is also underway. The board has urged any former patients or family members with concerns to get in touch to ensure that all voices are heard.
Dr Scott Davidson, the medical director at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, issued a statement saying:
“We sincerely apologise to any patient at Skye House who has not received the level of care they expected. We are grateful to our young patients for speaking up. Each time an issue was reported, it was fully investigated, and actions were taken. However, some matters have only recently been brought to our attention. In light of these experiences, we have launched a full review of the quality of care at the unit, as well as an independent review to ensure that all issues are addressed.”
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Dr Davidson continued, “We strive to treat all our patients with respect, dignity, and compassion, and to deliver safe and effective patient-centred care. Regrettably, we acknowledge that some patient experiences have fallen below these standards, and for that, we are very sorry. We take any complaints extremely seriously and remain committed to upholding the highest standards of care in line with national guidance and mental health legislation. I would encourage any family member or patient with concerns or questions about the care provided at Skye House to contact us – we are keen to hear from you.”
The board also highlighted that the facility had encountered staffing issues in recent years. With experienced staff in short supply, agency and bank workers were employed to fill the gaps. These temporary staff, however, often lacked the specialised experience needed to support patients with complex mental health needs. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde noted that staffing levels have improved in the past 18 months, although the legacy of past issues continues to cast a long shadow.
The allegations and subsequent investigations have sparked wider concerns over the treatment of young people in mental health settings across the region. The BBC’s Disclosure programme has prompted calls for a thorough examination of practices at facilities like Skye House, with former patients’ harrowing accounts underscoring the urgent need for systemic reform.
As the inquiries progress, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has reaffirmed its commitment to learning from these experiences and ensuring that all future care meets the highest standards. The board’s proactive approach aims to restore public trust and safeguard the wellbeing of the vulnerable individuals who rely on these services.
