Rampton patients 'denied fresh air and showers' as staff shortages continue

BUT CQC FINDS THAT 'CLEAR IMPROVEMENTS' HAVE BEEN MADE

- By JOEL MOORE

PATIENTS at a high-security psychiatric hospital in Nottinghamshire are sometimes denied access to fresh air and showers due to ongoing staff shortages, an inspection has revealed.

Rampton Hospital in Woodbeck was criticised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in its latest report, published yesterday.

However the health watchdog noted "clear improvements" since it was rated 'inadequate' last January, lifting its overall rating to 'requires improvement.' One of three high-secure hospitals in England, Rampton provides services to people who are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 and are classified as having a learning disability, mental illness or psychopathic disorder.

The CQC, which inspected all 23 wards, said the hospital "still had some work to do" to address staff shortages and support staff.