Illicit drugs and alcohol are being smuggled into mental health wards run by the state's busiest public hospitals, undermining patient care and putting psychiatric staff at risk of violence.

Parents have reported that their children have bought and used illegal drugs while in hospital being treated for drug-induced psychosis, and health authorities say patients are returning to wards affected by drugs after going on temporary approved leave.

The families of mentally ill patients say the system is failing them and have raised concerns about a lack of drug rehabilitation services, forcing people with mental health and substance abuse problems into psychiatric wards.

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