Calls To End ‘Barbaric’ Shock Therapy on Isle of Wight Spark NHS Probe

A controversial mental health treatment labelled “barbaric” is under the spotlight on the Isle of Wight, after questions were raised about its continued use at St Mary’s Hospital.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) – which delivers electric currents to the brain to trigger seizures – is still being administered at Sevenacres mental health unit, with 58 Island patients receiving the treatment in 2024 and 11 so far in 2025.

Liberal Democrat councillor Michael Lilley branded the practice “barbaric” during a council committee meeting last week, saying the number of local cases is disproportionately high compared to the rest of the UK.

He pointed to a recent international survey of ECT recipients, led by the University of East London, which found most patients reported little or no benefit – and in some cases said their condition worsened.

Dr John Read, who led the study, claimed:

“Our findings indicate that claims that ECT is effective are, at best, unproven and, at worst, misleading.

"With no robust evidence in four decades, and a high proportion of patients reporting serious long-term harm, it’s time for a fundamental re-evaluation of ECT’s role in mental health care.”

Cllr Lilley added:

“I am shocked that ECT is still being used so extensively on the Isle of Wight.

"This continued use in my view is barbaric and based on poor medical evidence.”

Independent councillor Clare Mosdell, who chairs the adult social care committee, called the issue “very valid” and “quite scary”.

She has referred the matter to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust for a formal response.

The trust has been approached for comment.