A report from the Mental Health Act Commission released on Sunday reveals the "shameful" conditions of many of the UK's mental health wards where poor "practice is entrenched", and staff are overstretched and "lack the basic skills to prevent tragedies occurring", says mental health charity Mind.

Mind said it was alarmed to learn that almost 40 per cent of suicides by hanging took place while patients were supposed to be subject to staff observation. In one case, a patient found hanging was already showing signs of rigor mortis when discovered, despite supposedly being subject to staff observation every 15 minutes.

Mind's Chief Executive Paul Farmer said the report highlighted some "astounding failings" in delivering even the most basic level of care.

"When a ward fails to provide a safe and secure place where people can receive good quality therapeutic treatment, the whole purpose of the ward is thrown into question. They can become a place of neglect rather than recovery," he said.

Mr Farmer said it was clear that staff on some wards were so overstretched "that it makes patient observation a physical impossibility".

He added that there was a "worrying" lack of basic training, particularly with restraint procedures, jeopardising patient safety with potentially fatal consequences."

"But it would be wrong to suggest that all wards are performing poorly. There are some shining examples of high quality inpatient care, where innovation and patient involvement ensures that a truly therapeutic service is delivered. The challenge is to make this a reality across the board," he said.

Later this week the Government will publish New Horizons, its consultation document on the future of mental health services for the next decade.

"Central to this must be a commitment to make quality inpatient care a reality for all who need it," said Mr Farmer. "In addition, the new Care Quality Commission must use all its powers to stamp out poor practice and promote the highest levels of safety and care."