By Gavin Mackintosh-
A man who was found at another hospital after absconding from a mental health facility two weeks ago, went to purchase drugs and seek stronger medication, The Eye Of Media.Com has found.
Insiders from the John Howard Mental health facility in Homerton anonymously stated to The Eye Of Media.Com that Philip Theophilou, 54,(pictured) who was found at another hospital following a police appeal after leaving the facility in Homerton on unescorted release, went to purchase drugs and seek alternative medication to what he had.
According to our sources, patients like Phillip can be trusted to leave the facility on unescorted leave once they have been professionally assessed.
They generally are reliant on the mental facility for their well being, as they have very limited contact with the outside world.
”Most patients detained in mental facilities have it good in there , much better than the outside world. Their well being is better catered for, they have good food, television, facilities for exercise, and even access to illegal drugs.
Many times, these detainees go to other hospitals to pay their drug debts or to collect their debts from others users.
Our anonymous source said:
”He went in pursuit of drugs from contacts he has in another hospital
‘Phillip’s case is not isolated, but rather emblematic of a concerning pattern among some patients within mental health facilities.
”many individuals in mental health facilities maintain contacts outside the institution for illicit drugs, often as a means to cope with their conditions or settle debts.
”The allure of stronger medication, unavailable within the confines of the facility, prompts these patients to risk their freedom and return to the outside world, despite the consequences.
“Patients often have networks established outside the facility, and they are willing to breach their bail conditions to access drugs. It’s a concerning trend that highlights the vulnerabilities within our mental health care system.
”It is not uncommon for patients to just stand outside when they are released.
Phillip’s case is particularly troubling as he was on unescorted release at the time of his disappearance.
Insiders assert that such releases are granted under the assumption that patients will return voluntarily to the facility.
However, the reality is far more complex, with patients sometimes deliberately breaching their bail conditions to be readmitted to the familiar environment of the mental health facility.
“It’s not uncommon for patients to stand out upon release and deliberately breach their conditions to return. The mental health facility provides a sense of stability, comfort, and access to amenities like television, food, and even drugs that they may not have on the outside,” explained another insider.
The revelation raises serious questions about the criteria for granting unescorted releases and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs within mental health facilities.
Despite efforts to reintegrate patients into society, the allure of the facility’s environment, coupled with the struggle to manage mental health conditions, often leads individuals to prioritize returning to the familiar setting.
Moreover, Phillip’s case brings into focus the larger issue of patient management and the continuity of care between mental health facilities
Insiders from the John Howard facility revealed concerns about Phillip’s previous transfer from Broadmoor in 2015, only to be readmitted to their facility later on.
“Why was Phillip released from Broadmoor in 2015, only to end up back in our facility? There are clear gaps in the system that need to be addressed,” remarked another insider of the John Howard facility.
Representatives of Broadmoor hospital declined to comment when contacted about the grounds of their release of Theophilou
Representatives of the John Howard facility declined to comment about our investigation.
The Metropolitan Police also declined to comment about the matter .
The Ministry of Health has also been called upon to address systemic issues within mental health care systems and to allocate resources towards improving patient care, rehabilitation programs, and staff training.
The case brings to the fore the challenges inherent in managing mental health conditions within institutional settings and the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.
Observers believe there needs to be a comprehensive review of mental health care systems, including the evaluation of patient rehabilitation programs, the criteria for unescorted releases, and the coordination between mental health facilities to ensure the continuity of care.