SERIOUS allegations of malpractice at a mental health unit have been raised by a council member.

Cray Valley East councillor Brenda Thompson raised questions relating to three separate incidents alleged to have taken place at the Green Parks House mental health unit.

Green Parks House is a separate unit based at the Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough.

It is run by Oxleas NHS Trust, which oversees mental health care hospitals in Bromley, Bexley and Greenwich.

Cllr Thompson raised her concerns at a meeting chaired by Bromley Council portfolio holder for adult and community services Councillor Graham Arthur on June 12.

She said: "I have heard from a reliable source there have been three serious incidents at Green Parks recently.

"A young woman patient was handled inappropriately. I believe photographs have been taken.

"An elderly lady choked to death because her carer on the ward wouldn't cut up her food.

"A male patient walked out of the ward and raped a nurse.

"In addition, a fire in a Princess Royal University Hospital day room caused by a Green Parks' patient was hushed up."

Cllr Arthur said this was the first time the allegations had been made and he would write to the director of Oxleas, Paul Atkins, to report the questions which had been asked.

When Cllr Thompson asked whether the police had been informed about the incidents, Cllr Arthur said he did not know.

A spokeman for Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust said: "We are aware of the questions raised by Cllr Thompson.

"We have no evidence regarding a female service user choking at Green Parks House.

"With reference to the sexual assault at the Princess Royal University Hospital, no service user has been charged."

A spokesman for the council said: "The council is not in a position to comment on unsubstantiated allegations."