Hospital trust's elderly care rating downgraded

A hospital trust has been warned to improve its provision for elderly people with mental health problems after concerns were raised by whistleblowers.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) report on wards for older people with mental health problems, run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, follows an inspection in November.

Inspectors downgraded the overall rating for these wards from good to requires improvement after they were last visited in 2018.

Tim McDougall, executive director of quality, nursing & healthcare professionals at the trust, said efforts were underway to deliver a "robust improvement plan".

The trust, which covers Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside and Stockport boroughs, has been told by the CQC to make improvements over care, staffing levels, and training to ensure it meet the needs of patients.

It was also found to have breached regulations related to consent to care and treatment, and people's safety.

Alison Chilton, CQC deputy director of operations in the north west, thanked people using the service and staff for their "bravery in sharing their concerns".

Some relatives and carers were unhappy their visiting hours were restricted to only an hour with their relative, the report found.

Inspectors also found it was unclear whether people not detained under the Mental Health Act could leave the wards freely, and patients did not always have a clear understanding of their rights.

Ms Chilton said wards did not have enough permanent staff, and people were cared for by staff not "familiar to them, particularly at night".

She said staff did not have time to "sit down and talk to people and give them the social interaction they need".

The inspector was concerned many staff caring for people with dementia had no dementia awareness training.

She added: "However, despite these issues, people and their relatives felt that wards were clean and well maintained which helped to keep them or their loved ones safe.

Mr McDougall said the inspection "highlighted challenges" but also recognised positives like the ward environment and compassionate care by staff.

"We are already delivering a robust improvement plan focused on strengthening clinical standards, patient engagement, staff training and ward leadership," he said.

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