A MENTAL health trust has been slammed by a councillor following the second disappearance of a patient.

Chairman of the Safer Bromley Partnership, Councillor Colin Bloom, has spoken out against the South London and Maudsley Trust (SLAM) after Colin Coakley escaped from a secure unit at Bethlem Hospital in Beckenham.

Coakley, who went missing on February 6 from the hospital in Monks Orchard Road, was the second person to escape while under the hospital’s care.

Chairman of the Safer Bromley Partnership, Councillor Colin Bloom said: “I’m very concerned that the South London and Maudsley Trust has allowed yet another person to abscond in view of their reassurance that systems and procedures would be improved following a similar incident.

“They gave us assurances they were going to put in place systems and protocols to minimise this happening again so it is very disappointing that there has been another lapse in security so soon after the last one.”

Coakley was found two days later by police in Sussex.

Previously on November 13 last year, convicted murderer Patricia Gillette escaped whilst on escorted leave from the unit.

The 25 stone woman was found by police in Streatham two days later.

A SLAM spokesman said: "We acknowledge the public and Cllr Bloom’s concerns over this matter.

"The granting of leave is an important part of the process of helping patients to get better, following detailed assessment by doctors and nurses.

"On this occasion, we believe that the main risk was to the patient’s own health.

"The police were alerted immediately. We worked closely with them, and we thank them for their work in ensuring the patient’s safe return.

"An internal investigation into Coakley's escape will be conducted."