Hospital's missing patients record to be probed

The news comes as the seventh patient to abscond from the Whalley unit in the last 18 months remained on the loose, three days after giving a member of staff the slip during a home visit.

The incidents, along with assaults on staff at the unit, have prompted calls for a security review

But Calderstones NHS Trust chief executive Russ Pearce said incidents of people absconding were expected at such an institution and added: "We look at each case on their own merits but these things do happen from time to time."

A Department of Health spokesman said the number of incidents -- seven in the past 18 months -- "seemed to be a lot" and vowed to investigate.

She could not give official figures on patients who abscond from medium secure units.

But she added: "We will talk to the hospital and Department of Health officials to find out the reason for these absconds." Missing patient Andrew Sutcliffe, 18, had been admitted to the hospital via the courts but went missing on Wednesday afternoon while on a home visit to his mother's house in the Burnage area of Manchester.

The patient, from the more secure West Drive unit of the hospital, give the female member of staff who was accompanying him the slip when he walked out of the back door after saying he needed the toilet.

Mr Pearce is due to meet with Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans to discuss the situation.

Mr Evans said: "After speaking to Mr Pearce I am told that security measures will be carefully reviewed, including home visits.

"I welcome that news and the fact that Russ Pearce has reassured residents that the patient is no danger although there is still concern for him."

Greater Manchester Police and Lancashire Police are working together to locate the missing patient.

He was said by police to be wearing a white T-shirt, blue tracksuit bottoms and a white baseball cap.

If anybody has any information they should contact Clitheroe Police on 01200 458374.