Life on the Psych Ward

Channel 4 programme ‘Life on the Psych Ward’ filmed at South London and Maudsley, takes you inside River House, focusing on the work of forensic mental health services.

An observational documentary, which focuses on the work of forensic mental health services, aired on Tuesday 29 November at 9pm on Channel 4.

The programme, Life on the Psych Ward, follows three patients at the Bethlem Royal Hospital as they face the prospect of discharge after decades under lock and key. The programme can be watched back on the Channel 4’s On Demand service.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsL3Jq6zvq0 

It’s the first time cameras have been allowed on the secure wards of South London and Maudsley Forensic Services. River House is home to more than 100 patients, many of whom are considered too mentally disordered to be in prison.

Working there comes with a huge weight of responsibility. It can take years of treatment to reduce a patient's risk of violence but eventually medical teams must decide whether a patient is safe enough finally to re-join the outside world.

Tony has paranoid schizophrenia. His condition is aggravated by the use of illicit drugs and he has a history of going AWOL when on leave.

James is serving a life sentence. He has a personality disorder and a history of antisocial behaviour that he is hoping to leave behind.

John (pictured above) is another lifer who was found guilty of attempted murder. Now, after more than 20 years of psychological therapy, he’s beginning to make unaccompanied trips outside the hospital.

The staff working in River House balance the needs of the offender with the risk to the public. They deliver a wide variety of one-to-one and group treatment programmes in state-of-the-art facilities and because of this are able to discharge the majority of patients safe and well back into the community.