Inspectors told Northants care home staff 'rude and racist'

A mental health care home has been placed in special measures after inspectors were told staff were "rude, hateful and racist".

Broomhill, based in Spratton, Northamptonshire, has been rated as "inadequate" in every area.

Inspectors also heard that staff made fun of a patient's physical size and ridiculed another over their chosen gender.

A Broomhill spokesperson said patient safety was their "utmost priority."

Broomhill, operated by St Matthews Healthcare, is a Victorian manor house with 99 beds across seven wards for people with serious mental health issues.

During the latest unannounced Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in July 2023, 16 out of 24 patients told inspectors that they were unhappy with their care and treatment.

One patient said they were ridiculed by staff over their chosen gender, while another said staff were "rude, hateful and racist and do not take me out due to my size", adding: "Staff make fun of me".

The inspection team described wards as having "ripped, dirty and damaged furniture and fittings" and one patient had seen a mouse in his room.

In the three months leading up to the inspection, there had been 132 incidents of violence towards staff and 84 between patients, and de-briefs did not always take place after incidents, the report said.

Concerns were also raised by inspectors about the way potentially dangerous items were stored.

However, inspectors also found staff worked well together and followed good safeguarding practice.

Craig Howarth, deputy director of operations for the CQC in the Midlands, said: "Following this inspection last July, the provider has informed us they have made some improvements, and they have engaged positively with us, and local health and social care partners in response to the concerns raised. "If sufficient progress hasn't been made next time we assess the hospital, we won't hesitate to use our enforcement powers to ensure people's safety and well-being."

A spokesperson for Broomhill said: "We accept the findings of the CQC inspection, however, it is important to note that given the inspection took place in July 2023 the report is not reflective of the current service.

"All funding authorities responsible for patients at Broomhill expressed satisfaction with our mitigation measures after they conducted independent safe and well checks.

"Patient safety is our utmost priority."

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830