Concerns Over Patient Safety at Mental Health Facility Amid Abuse Scandal
Inspectors criticize the Edenfield Centre as patient safety concerns rise
Edenfield Centre, Greater Manchester, Mental Health, Abuse Scandal, CQC
Prestwich: The Edenfield Centre has been under fire lately. Inspectors found serious issues regarding patient safety, especially after an abuse scandal came to light.
Last year, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) checked out the facility after some shocking allegations surfaced. They found that vulnerable patients were mistreated by staff, which is just heartbreaking.
After the scandal broke in September 2022, the centre stopped taking new patients while investigations were underway. They reopened later, but the CQC gave them an ‘inadequate’ rating, which is pretty alarming.
A recent report highlighted that some patients felt unsafe and even claimed staff provoked them. Others reported being restrained too harshly or even assaulted. That’s just not okay.
The overall rating for the service was ‘inadequate,’ and it’s clear they have a lot of work to do. The trust that runs the centre, Greater Manchester Mental Health, is still struggling to improve its reputation.
While some staff mentioned that smoking issues had improved, there are still problems with vaping in common areas. It seems like they’re trying to manage a mix of new and experienced staff, which has led to some tension.
Cleaning records were also a mess during the inspection, and some staff felt left out of important changes. It’s a mixed bag, really. Some patients felt ignored, while others said staff were kind and caring.
Fire safety checks weren’t always done properly either, which is a huge concern. On a positive note, care plans were personalized and focused on recovery, which is a step in the right direction.
Salli Midgley, the chief nurse, expressed disappointment over the delay in sharing the report. She acknowledged past failings but emphasized their commitment to improving care for patients.
In September 2022, a BBC Panorama documentary revealed shocking abuse at the Edenfield Centre, which only added to the scrutiny the trust was already facing. The Manchester Evening News had been reporting on these issues for a while, highlighting unsafe staffing levels and tragic outcomes for patients.
Despite promises of improvement, many of the changes have not gone as planned, and the trust continues to face criticism. It’s a tough situation, and they really need to step up to ensure patient safety and care.