Trust suspends disabilities staff

An NHS trust in Essex has suspended an undisclosed number of staff after concerns were raised in a team dealing with people with learning disabilities.

A review of quality standards used by the team concerned is also under way.

NHS North East Essex has asked a neighbouring authority to manage the service while a review is carried out.

The trust serves a population of about 315,000 in an area covered by Colchester Borough Council and Tendring District Council

Managers at NHS North East Essex have declined to say how many staff are involved but said the police were not involved.

Alan Mack, director of corporate development and governance at NHS North East Essex, said in the statement: "Following issues raised by staff within the learning disabilities team a number of staff have been suspended.

"We have commissioned Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Foundation NHS Trust to undertake a quality review of the in-patient learning disability services provided by the provider arm of NHS North East Essex.

"Whilst this review is being carried out, we have asked South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust to manage our in-patient learning disabilities service to ensure we maintain high standards of patient care.

"We do not wish to make further comment until the review has been concluded."