Mental health hospital prosecuted by CQC
13:04 - 22/04/2010
Mental health hospital prosecuted by ...
Care Principles Ltd, the operator of a mental health hospital based in Yorkshire, has been prosecuted by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for a series of failures relating to the safe administration of medicines.
The CQC decided to press charges after collecting evidence during unannounced visits to Linden House, a low to medium-secure facility near York, which is managed by Care Principles.
The company pleaded guilty to five breaches of the Care Standards Act 2000 and was ordered to pay a total of £17,015 in fines and legal costs during a hearing at Beverley Magistrate’s Court.
The court heard that, although the operator had made attempts to address some ongoing issues, they were still failing to provide the minimum legal standards of care to their service users.
Offences committed at Linden House, which provides care for patients with learning disabilities and those detained under the Mental Health Act, include failure to maintain the appropriate stock checks, to dispose of expired medication and to provide training for the safe storage of medication to all staff who had delegated responsibility.
CQC senior enforcement manager Tim Weller said: "We are encouraged that the standards of care for patients at Linden House have improved since legal proceedings against the operator started, although it is disappointing that legal action was required before standards were addressed.
"We hope the quality of care for these vulnerable patients continues to improve and will be scrutinising the services at this hospital for the further improvements we expect to see."
We offer a course designed especially for carers who are involved in the handling and administration of medicines. Mike Mulcahy, Head of Curriculum, explains: “It is important that those who are responsible for the administration and safe storage of medication know how to perform these tasks correctly, as there are many safety implications for both patients and staff.
"Our Handling and Administration of Medicine training course meets Care Standard requirements and teaches delegates about drugs; it provides knowledge about their effects, how to store and dispose of them safely, and how to prepare and administer them. It is a must for carers who undertake these responsibilities.”
The Handling and Administration of Medicines course is around 3 hours in duration and acts as an ideal refresher for experienced staff as well as offering an excellent introduction for the less experienced. To find out more, please call us today.
The CQC decided to press charges after collecting evidence during unannounced visits to Linden House, a low to medium-secure facility near York, which is managed by Care Principles.
The company pleaded guilty to five breaches of the Care Standards Act 2000 and was ordered to pay a total of £17,015 in fines and legal costs during a hearing at Beverley Magistrate’s Court.
The court heard that, although the operator had made attempts to address some ongoing issues, they were still failing to provide the minimum legal standards of care to their service users.
Offences committed at Linden House, which provides care for patients with learning disabilities and those detained under the Mental Health Act, include failure to maintain the appropriate stock checks, to dispose of expired medication and to provide training for the safe storage of medication to all staff who had delegated responsibility.
CQC senior enforcement manager Tim Weller said: "We are encouraged that the standards of care for patients at Linden House have improved since legal proceedings against the operator started, although it is disappointing that legal action was required before standards were addressed.
"We hope the quality of care for these vulnerable patients continues to improve and will be scrutinising the services at this hospital for the further improvements we expect to see."
We offer a course designed especially for carers who are involved in the handling and administration of medicines. Mike Mulcahy, Head of Curriculum, explains: “It is important that those who are responsible for the administration and safe storage of medication know how to perform these tasks correctly, as there are many safety implications for both patients and staff.
"Our Handling and Administration of Medicine training course meets Care Standard requirements and teaches delegates about drugs; it provides knowledge about their effects, how to store and dispose of them safely, and how to prepare and administer them. It is a must for carers who undertake these responsibilities.”
The Handling and Administration of Medicines course is around 3 hours in duration and acts as an ideal refresher for experienced staff as well as offering an excellent introduction for the less experienced. To find out more, please call us today.
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