Rebecca Thomas wins top journalism award for health reporting

Rebecca Thomas, a health correspondent for The Independent, has been recognized for her extensive investigation into sexual abuse within NHS mental health hospitals. Her 18-month inquiry uncovered alarming accounts of rape and sexual assault, shedding light on the treatment of vulnerable patients and systemic failures in the mental health system. The Medical Journalists’ Association awarded her the mental health story of the year, praising her work as exemplary investigative journalism. In addition to the main award, Thomas received high commendation for her reporting on the NHS watchdog's 'culture of fear.' Her journalism has not only highlighted the crisis in mental health care but has also led to significant changes, including the closure of problematic private hospitals and the initiation of a national inquiry into NHS mental health services. One notable outcome of her reporting was the release of an autistic patient who had been confined in mental health institutions for over a decade due to systemic failings. This case exemplifies the real-world impact of her investigative work, which has resonated with both health professionals and the public. Previously, in 2022, Thomas was awarded Health and Science Journalist of the Year at the British Journalism Awards for her insightful coverage of the crisis in A&E departments. Her commitment to revealing the truth and advocating for vulnerable populations has established her as a leading figure in health journalism.