BEREAVED families are facing persistent challenges in investigations, including transparency, following the death of their loved one in mental health services, a report revealed today.

Inquest, the charity which investigates state-related deaths, found that processes into investigations of deaths are shrouded in delay, secrecy and animosity towards families who want a truthful account of what happened to their relatives.

Inquest’s research heard from 14 family members who were bereaved by deaths in the care of mental health services or settings for people with learning disabilities and autism.