A new four-part podcast series from Sky News and The Independent tells the story of Alexis Quinn’s escape from NHS psychiatric care.
Her escape led to a landmark national investigation which revealed tens of thousands of unreported allegations of sexual assault and rape in NHS mental health inpatient units across England.
Sky News and The Independent worked together for nearly 18 months investigating the allegations.
Narrated by actor Nicholas Pinnock, Patient 11 recounts the story of Quinn, a young mother and former GB swimmer with undiagnosed autism. It tells how her three-day admission in a secure mental health hospital turned into three years of isolation, forced restraint and sexual assault, before plotting to break free.
Alexis Quinn said: “They locked me up for three-and-a-half years and were prepared to throw away the key. They had no hope for me. And then I learned how prolific it was…I thought it was just me, but it’s not just me, there are thousands of people (like me).”
David Rhodes, Sky News Executive Chairman, said: “Sky News are so pleased to present this story in partnership with The Independent.
“There’s so much our organisations can do together to report challenging stories and make sure they reach the broadest audience possible.”
Geordie Greig, The Independent’s Editor-In-Chief, said: “This investigation highlights a shocking abuse of patients who are the most vulnerable people in society.
“The results of this campaign by investigative reporters from The Independent and Sky News must lead to a government action and a reform of how mental health hospitals are run and governed.
“I am very proud of the extraordinary work carried out by the journalists involved but appalled that such failings to those most in need have occurred.”
All episodes of Patient 11 are available now on the StoryCast feed and on all podcast players.
