Danish mental health organization condemns Facebook group sharing patient photos at psychiatric ward in Randers

Erik Mønsted Pedersen, deputy chairman of the Danish mental health organization SIND, has condemned a Facebook group created by employees in a psychiatric ward in Randers for sharing photos of patients. He described the behavior as “shocking and disgraceful,” highlighting the vulnerability of the individuals involved.

Pedersen emphasized that the employees’ alleged lack of intent to humiliate the patients is irrelevant, stating, “This is a sign of an unhealthy workplace culture of the worst kind.” He expressed concern that incidents like these cast a shadow on the entire mental health profession and impact the reputation of dedicated healthcare workers who maintain ethical standards.

Earlier this month, the Central Denmark Region reported the group to the Data Protection Agency for a breach of patient privacy laws, stating clearly that sharing any work-related information, including photos and health records, without consent is illegal and against internal guidelines.

The scandal prompted the region to take action, leading to the dismissal of the chief physician involved and the management team. The hospital administration became aware of the situation after a whistleblower report was filed, and an examination of 1,500 patient cases is now underway.

While a prominent media outlet first reported on the sharing of patient images, concerns regarding the professional standards within the psychiatric unit emerged, leading to changes in management. The now-former chief physician acknowledged in a text message that although he did not take or post the images, he regretted the incident.

In response to the situation, SIND has encouraged patients affected by the ward’s actions to consider filing complaints with the Director of Patient Complaints. The Facebook group has been shut down, and the regional director has expressed disappointment over the events, indicating that new guidelines for social media use in the workplace are forthcoming.