A children’s mental health hospital where staff used restraint ‘as a first rather than a last response’ has been brought out of special measures.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) brought Huntercombe Hospital, in Stafford, out of special measures after “a number of significant improvements”.
Inadequate
The CQC previously rated the West Midlands hospital “inadequate”.
Following the latest CQC inspection on January 30 and February 1, the organisation now rates it as “requires improvement overall”.
A whistleblower sparked the inspection that saw the CQC place the hospital in special measures in August 2016.
It was failing in every aspect. This included safety, effectiveness, responsiveness, leadership and level of care.
Special measures inspection found physical restraint a first resort
The inspection found staff used physical restraint as a first rather than a last resort.
Dr Paul Lelliott of the CQC: significant improvements have been made at Huntercombe Hospital, but further progress is needed
Dr Paul Lelliott is the CQC’s deputy chief inspector of hospitals. He said: “When we returned we found that the hospital had introduced training to reduce the dependency of staff on restraint and other restrictive practices.”
Lelliott said his team would return to check on the progress of other necessary improvements.
Valerie Michie is chief executive of the Huntercombe Group, which runs the hospital. She said: “I would like to acknowledge the dedicated work by the hospital team that has significantly improved the care of their young patients.”
The hospital provides mental health services for up to 39 young people aged eight to 18.
Special expertise
The NHS says the hospital has developed “special expertise in the management of severe and complex eating disorders, such as pervasive refusal syndrome or other co-morbidities, such as depression or autistic spectrum disorders”.
Of the hospital’s current patients, five have diagnosed autism. Three others are undergoing assessment for the condition.
Among further improvements needed at the hospital are an end to blanket restrictions, more therapeutic activities and better training on the Mental Health Act.
Published: 20 May 2017
