LGBTQ survivors tell of «barbaric» NHS shock therapy

More than 250 people were subjected to painful electric shocks in NHS hospitals between 1965 and 1973, in a bid to change their sexuality and gender identity, an investigation has found.

Three survivors of Electric Shock Aversion Therapy have spoken of the physical agony and lasting psychological scars left by the treatment they endured as teenagers. Jeremy Gavins, 72, recalled shocks so severe he lost consciousness and woke up in hospital three days later. Pauline Collier, 80, described electrodes taped to her arms and a series of shocks that made her «sweat and flinch».

Victims say they were branded as «perverts» and told they had a disease, with many referred to hospital by teachers, priests or their GP. Several survivors say they were not given informed consent and were explicitly instructed not to tell their parents about the treatment.

The revelations have prompted fresh calls for accountability. The BBC understands the government will now investigate the historical use of ESAT in the NHS, and campaigners — led by Lord Chris Smith, the UK’s first openly gay MP — are demanding a formal apology from both the government and the NHS.

While the British Psychological Society has abandoned ESAT, conversion practices remain not explicitly illegal in the UK, leaving survivors and advocates calling for clearer protections and redress for those harmed decades ago.

Survivors say the damage goes far beyond the shocks themselves: many described long-term mental health problems, shame and a sense of betrayal by institutions they trusted. Campaigners say the investigation must lead to recognition, apology and support for those left to live with the consequences of what they call a barbaric chapter in NHS history.