A mental health unit for children in Hertfordshire has been rated ‘inadequate’ after a scathing report concluded patients were at risk.
Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors gave a formal warning to Forest House in Radlett and said its leadership had “significantly deteriorated”.
The child and adolescent mental health wards, run by Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, were caring for 13 patients during the November and December inspections.
In the report published today (March 30) inspectors said the unit did not have “effective systems” in place to ensure medication was correctly administrated and recorded.
The opening of Forest House in 2009
Incidents of assault and staffing level difficulties contributed to poor morale, while most parents and carers were “dissatisfied” with the treatment offered.
Inspectors also deemed management to be “insufficient” and not all staff were correctly trained to deliver safe care.
However, it was noted that most staff worked hard and showed compassion and kindness.
Now the CQC has issued a warning as mandatory changes must be made, including ensuring formal complaints are correctly investigated and risk management plans are updated.
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Karen Taylor, chief executive at the trust, said: "We are disappointed that we have not always provided the levels of care and support that young people and their families and carers should expect.
"We have already taken action and are determined to improve the service and care we provide."
Due to the pandemic, the chief executive said that more young people needed their services during the time.
She continued: "The CQC has recognised that we have already started to address the issues they raised and we have an improvement plan in place.
"We are working closely with service users, their families, carers and the CQC, who will re-inspect Forest House in due course."
The service was previously rated ‘good’ before the recent downgrade, and overall the trust continues to be rated ‘outstanding’.
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