CQC reaction to London report on PBRL report

2 September 2009

Barbara Young, Chair of the Care Quality Commission, said:

“This is a disturbing and tragic story. Providing health care to this group of patients requires a high degree of skill and expertise. But this report clearly illustrates just how badly things can go wrong when secure institutions have poor safeguards in place to protect people.

“We have already taken action at Broadmoor. Our recent investigation identified a series of problems and proposed significant improvements that will make the service safer. We have been encouraged by the response. Under a new chief executive, the hospital's plans include much-needed increase in staffing levels.

"But the lessons from Broadmoor must be learnt more widely if we are to minimise the chances of similar tragedies in future.

"Our evidence shows the need for a major shift in the safety and quality of care provided to those detained under the Mental Health Act across the country. We are particularly concerned by inadequacies in restraint practices, safeguarding of women and children, Informing and involving patients and issues around equality and diversity.

"We will be using all our powers to try and raise standards in these areas."

Ends

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Notes to editors