Complaint
This investigation into the treatment of children at a unit of a Scottish psychiatric hospital heard testimony from patients detailing a culture of cruelty by nursing staff. A viewer complained those who gave evidence to the BBC may have been psychologically harmed by their involvement and that, overall, the programme was light in substance and took a polarised and unbalanced view of the subject-matter. The ECU considered whether the investigation had been duly impartial and whether the programme makers had shown due care to the contributors in line with the requirements set out in the Editorial Guidelines. Because some of those interviewed were under 18 at the time they were spoken to by the programme, the ECU also assessed the complaint against the section of the Guidelines on Children and Young People.
Outcome
The ECU noted the substance of the allegations was unchallenged by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde which oversees management of Skye House, and that the investigation had prompted two reviews of care at the unit. It could not therefore agree with the complainant’s characterisation of the programme as “light in substance”. Rather it appeared to be an important documentary which raised issues of serious concern, and broadcasting it had clearly been in the public interest. The programme contained an appropriate range of views, including experts in the field of child mental health services. The ECU understood the BBC had offered psychological support to the young people who were interviewed, both during the production process and after transmission, and they were also supported by their parents. Those who run Skye House were given advance notice of the programme’s airing, both to offer them a right of reply and to ensure managers could arrange for proper support to be in place for the young people still in their care. The ECU did not therefore believe there was evidence of a breach of the Editorial Guidelines in the tone and substance of the film, or the approach of the programme makers.
Not Upheld