Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust faces urgent changes after safety concerns were raised during a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspected the trust last October and November. They were responding to safety concerns about adult acute wards and psychiatric care units. The trust’s overall rating remains “requires improvement,” with safety rated as inadequate.
The CQC issued warning notices to the trust. They want rapid changes to improve safety. The trust acknowledged the findings and is working to strengthen leadership and address staffing issues.
Inspectors found several problems. Staff often didn’t understand their roles. Not enough staff were trained in life support for emergencies. Sometimes, important tasks were missed when bank staff were on duty. On one ward, staff didn’t get breaks due to being understaffed.
However, there were some positives. Most patients and families were involved in care plans. Some staff participated in daily safety meetings. There were also dedicated rooms for activities and family visits.
Amanda Lyndon from the CQC noted a decline in leadership quality during the inspection. Poor leadership affects the care patients receive. Leaders struggled to ensure proper staffing levels, which impacted patient activities and morale.
The trust’s managers assured the CQC that recruitment is underway to increase permanent staff, especially for night shifts. They also need to better manage safety and identify health risks.
The CQC expects to see rapid improvements and will return to check on progress. They will take further action if necessary.
A spokesperson for the trust said they accept the CQC’s findings. They are committed to improving leadership, staffing, and training to provide high-quality care for all patients.
