Autistic Woman from Sierra Leone Wrongly Held in London Mental Hospital for Almost 50 Years

An autistic woman, originally from Sierra Leone, was wrongly confined to a London mental hospital for nearly 50 years, beginning when she was just seven years old, a recent BBC Radio 4 “File on 4” investigation has revealed.

The woman, identified only as Kasibba, was finally released after years of campaigning by healthcare professionals.

Kasibba, now in her 50s, endured decades of isolation, including up to 25 years in solitary confinement, reportedly due to a lack of family advocacy. She is believed to have been trafficked from Sierra Leone before the age of five and placed in the long-stay hospital by age seven.

Dr. Staite, a psychologist involved in Kasibba’s case, expressed shock at the conditions she faced, describing them as “legitimised” brutality. Kasibba was often confined for over 23 hours a day in a locked annex, with limited contact with the outside world.

Hospital records labeled Kasibba as “dangerous” and an “eye-gouger,” a reputation stemming from a single incident at age 19 when she scratched a fellow patient during a fire alarm evacuation.

Dr. Staite spearheaded a campaign for Kasibba’s release, submitting a 50-page report to Camden Council, the authority responsible for her placement. The report argued that Kasibba was not dangerous and could safely live in the community. It was also established that she was not mentally unwell.

A team of healthcare and social care professionals, dubbed “the escape committee,” worked for six years to secure Kasibba’s freedom. The Court of Protection, which handles cases for individuals lacking mental capacity, ultimately ruled in her favor.

Lucy Dunstan, an advocate from disability rights organization “Changing Our Lives,” played a crucial role in building the case for Kasibba’s release. She described Kasibba’s life in the hospital as “completely impoverished.”

Kasibba now resides in the community with support workers who describe her as a “beautiful human being” with an “amazing sense of humour.”

Jess McGregor, executive director of adults and health at Camden Council, apologized for Kasibba’s ordeal, calling it a “tragedy.”

The NHS mental health trust, which cannot be named for privacy reasons, maintained that their care was never questioned and was rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission. They also stated that individuals requiring long-term segregation have access to self-contained properties with private living spaces and gardens.