Watchdog will monitor trust as concerns raised

PATIENTS with learning disabilities and autism suffered a “significant number of injuries” on NHS wards, while inspectors were also concerned about a rise in assaults on staff.

- SAM VOLPE

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspected three wards run by the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust - Mitford Unit in Morpeth, Rose Lodge in Hebburn, and Edenwood in Cumbria. As a result, it has rated the services as “requires improvement”.

The CQC inspections took place between July 16 and July 18 and then on September 12. The initial inspection was triggered after concerns from external agencies were shared about staff welfare. During that visit, the inspectors found breaches of regulations and the trust was warned to make “rapid and widespread” improvements.

By September, inspectors said they were satisfied a “robust” plan was in place to address the issues. In the new report, the inspectors have highlighted how they feared staff weren't being appropriately supported and this had an impact on care.

The inspectors also recalled how one family member had told them their loved one had actually seen their health worsen while in hospital. The issue of staff safety was also one raised last year by the Health and Safety Executive.