Call To Stop Carers Hiding Drugs

A man who is trying to stop care homes from hiding drugs in residents’ food and drink is taking his campaign to the Scottish Parliament.

Hunter Watson, who is from Aberdeen, believes the practice of so-called “covert medication” contravenes patients’ human rights.

He began raising questions after his mother was sedated without her consent at a nursing home in the city.

Mr Watson will be asking the public petitions committee to clarify the law.

Guidance from the Mental Welfare Commission states drugs should only ever be hidden in food or drink when it is in the best interests of a patient who may be confused or aggressive – not for the convenience of staff.

However, urveys have suggested that 70% of care homes carry out the practice.