22 Sep 2020

Electroshock therapy victim describes abuse at inquiry

From Checkpoint, 6:15 pm on 22 September 2020

A woman who was in and out of psychiatric care during the 1970s has spoken of being subjected to excessive electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT and the debilitating effect its had on her life.

Joan Bellingham, who is 68, was first admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital in Christchurch at the age of 18.

She has given evidence to the Royal Commission inquiring into abuse in state and faith-based care.

RNZ reporter Andrew McRae has been at the hearing in Auckland today.