Drug dealers are plying their evil trade on mental health wards in Oxfordshire hospitals.

The shocking revelation exposes mentally ill patients using drugs, including ecstasy and even heroin.

Used syringes have been found on wards and drugs confiscated from patients.

Health bosses admit they are not sure how the drugs get on to the wards but believe in some cases dealers are involved.

But a new policy by Oxfordshire Mental Health Trust to smash the problem and protect patients is said to be netting results.

Trust chief executive Michael Orr said it was not possible to give figures but confirmed the problem was "significant".

He added: "Drugs are a problem in society and the hospitals reflect that. We are particularly concerned because drugs and mental illness don't mix. "We have found people with drugs in mental wards. This is most commonly cannabis but can be ecstasy or very rarely heroin.

"It happens, but it is not a drug culture. We could have a week when we have several people with drugs and then a month when it does not happen at all.

"By raising awareness among staff we believe drug abuse has become less of a problem."

The Oxfordshire Trust covers Warneford, Littlemore and Park Hospitals.

Mr Orr said people with mental illness often also abused drugs, which worsened their illness.

The new policy means that if drugs are found they are confiscated and the police informed. A decision is then taken on whether legal action should be taken.

But Mr Orr said there was a zero tolerance approach to dealers.

He said: "There is absolutely no question of us tolerating that. We are dealing with vulnerable people and would inform the police immediately."

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