CARE HOME FOR THE MENTALLY ILL DEEMED UNSAFE

CARE HOME FOR THE MENTALLY ILL DEEMED UNSAFE

A care home for the mentally ill has been deemed unsafe after a damning report from health watchdogs pointed out a number of potential suicide hotspots.

The report also noted insufficient staffing, insecure premises and patients left alone.

The facility, which cares for up to 50 mentally ill patients “requires improvement”, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has concluded.

Levels of care at Shrewsbury Court Independent Hospital in Redhill, Surrey, was rated good – but the home was judged substandard in all other categories including effectiveness, leadership and safety.

The inspectors’ report, published last Thursday, said: “We found that trees, a water feature, benches, window restrictors and railings were all ligature risks.

“A set of doors led to the boiler room where pipes were on the ceiling.

“The keys in the lock meant we were easily able to enter this area from the garden.”

They also found staff working shifts alone, and that patients were able to access a clinic room through an open window from a corridor.

The report also stated that staff interacted positively with those in care, and there was positive feedback from families who felt included in their relatives’ care.

Lisa Mullineux, spokeswoman for the hospital said: “We have worked closely with the Care Quality Commision to develop robust action plans that have been implemented including around staffing, training and risk management.

“Staffing levels have increased on the ward on each shift.

“In addition, we have welcomed a new interim hospital director who has significant experience in the sector and has been prioritising our strategy and implementation of improvements since the inspection.”

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