ALLEGATIONS have reached the St Helens Star that psychiatric patients at the Scott Clinic in Rainhill are being allowed out into the local community and that drugs may also be circulating among inmates. The allegations were brought to the attention of the Star earlier this year following the sudden death of a man at the clinic on Wednesday, April 28. Police are still investigating the death. A post mortem has taken place and officers are awaiting the results. A report has also been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service. Next Monday a Scott Clinic patient will appear at Liverpool Crown Court to face charges, including supplying drugs at the clinic. St Helens & Knowsley Hospitals Trust issued the following statement: "All patients undergo rigorous assessments on an ongoing basis. No patients are allowed leave, either escorted or unescorted, unless considered mentally and physically fit and this process takes a prolonged period of assessment. Obviously public, patient and staff safety is of paramount importance. However, the Scott Clinic is part of the hospital and is not a prison. These patients are there for observation and treatment and towards the end of their care package, integration back into society is an important element of this care. We would like to reassure the public that all necessary steps are taken to ensure their safety and well-being."

On the drugs claim, the spokesman said: "Measures are consistently enforced to ensure that no illegal substances are brought on to any of our premises."

Rainhill Councillor Mike Doyle, said: "These serious allegations need to be thoroughly investigated. All clients in the Scott Clinic are subject to Home Office control and if true raises the question of management supervision. I would seek to establish the details of these allegations and write to Jack Straw for an inquiry."

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