A FULL investigation has been demanded into the deaths of three patients from a Scottish psychiatric hospital.

The call comes after it emerged a patient at Royal Cornhill Hospital in Aberdeen died earlier this month. She was found hanged at the institution.

Maria Carter, 32, was found on May 18 and rushed to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where she remained in a coma until June 5, when her parents allowed her life-support machine to be switched off.

NHS Grampian has already launched an internal review into what lessons can be learned from the deaths of two other patients.

The body of Carole Corbett, 49, was found near Dunnottar Castle, in Stonehaven, last Sunday after being reported missing from the hospital.

University mental health lecturer Andrew McKie, 55, was found dead in the hospital grounds on June 8.

Royal Cornhill Hospital has been under attack from patient groups over the past few months after it was revealed NHS Grampian was discussing bringing in police to help alleviate a nursing shortage.

Two months ago it was announced that 30 nursing posts needed to be filled as soon as possible at the hospital.

North East Scotland MSP Richard Baker said: "These are very serious incidents in close proximity and it is all the more important a full and thorough investigation is carried out."

Highlands and Islands MSP Mary Scanlon added: "You cannot have an investigation into two deaths and not include the third one, which has happened around the same time that the hospital is being criticised for understaffing.

"We have to look at all aspects of what went on here and as a result this third death really must be included.

"For too long mental health has been the Cinderella service of the NHS and that has to stop. Because it's a patient group, which isn't quite as vocal as others, the patients have suffered.

"The family of this third individual are entitled to the same answers as they others, and I hope it can be included in any investigation that goes on at the hospital."

An NHS Grampian spokesman said: "Our sympathies are with the family at this very difficult time. They will be invited to participate in the review and the findings will be made available to them."

Referring to the other cases, the spokesman added: "There are individual reviews, but we would look for any tends. There is, however, currently, no suggestion the incidents are linked to staffing levels."