THE deaths of eight mental health patients who died while on secure hospital wards in Cumbria have been reported to the coroner, health bosses have confirmed.

The claim follows concerns that just one in three people who dies in custody in England is granted an inquest - a formal hearing required by law.

The national scandal has sparked concern from charities and mental health campaigners who say the deaths of all vulnerable people must be investigated.

RELATED ARTICLE: Mystery still surrounds death of Barrow mother, 28, after inquest conclusion

But those in charge of reporting deaths in Cumbria claim the cases of all eight people who have died while detained under the Mental Health Act in the county since 2013 have been referred to the coroner's office.

They have also been referred to the government's health watchdog, the Care Quality Commission.

A spokesman for the Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which provides mental health services across the county, said: "There have been eight deaths in the last three years of people sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

"All were reported to the coroner and to the Care Quality Commission."

The eight people were held on inpatient wards run by the Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust which includes the Dova Unit, at Furness General Hospital, and the Kentmere Unit, at Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal.

RELATED ARTICLE: Barrow man hid tranquilizers in a tissue box

Last week it emerged there were 1,115 deaths in custody - which include people detained under the Mental Health Act - in England and Wales over a three-year period.

However, just 373 were reported to coroners.

An investigation into the way deaths in custody are recorded and reported is ongoing by experts within the CQC.