The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published a report following a focused inspection at Cygnet Colchester.
CQC inspected the 54-bed hospital, which cares for men living with learning disabilities and mental health issues, on 19 and 26 August and 2, 3, 8 and 9 September 2020.
The focused inspection was carried out after CQC received information of concern relating to safeguarding patients and the reporting, investigation and management of incidents.
CQC did not rate the hospital at this inspection, so the rating remains as Inadequate and it remains in special measures.
Inspectors found that despite managers knowing how to report safeguarding referrals, they found one example where an allegation of abuse had not been reported appropriately or in a timely manner.
In addition, managers had not ensured they recruited staff with the right skills, experience and values to work with vulnerable patients. From a sample of staff employment records inspectors reviewed, 66% did not follow the provider’s recruitment policy.
Staff did not always follow the provider’s COVID-19 policy or infection prevention and control guidelines set out by the government. Not all staff wore face masks and managers failed to take appropriate action when staff breached infection prevention guidance.
Further concerns were highlighted to the commission after the inspection regarding infection prevention which resulted in conditions being placed on the service’s registration.
Inspectors also saw examples of staff treating patients with kindness and respect. Patients told inspectors there was a range of activities and psychological therapies available to them and that staff were always there when they needed them.
CQC Deputy Chief Inspector of Hospitals and lead for mental health, Dr Kevin Cleary, said:
“Our latest inspection and ongoing monitoring of Cygnet Colchester found improvements were still needed in some areas, particularly surrounding infection prevention and control.
“With cases of COVID-19 rising, it is essential the service makes these improvements to ensure patients are receiving care in a safe environment.
“The provider’s leadership knows what it must do to bring about these improvements and we will continue to monitor the service and will return to check on improvements at a later date”.
Full details of the inspection can be found in the report published online at: www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-118514298
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