Closure threat to mental hospital

The report highlighted failings at the unit after two patients absconded

A damning report into a privately-run secure mental health unit in East Yorkshire has said it could be closed down if improvements are not made.

The Healthcare Commission said there were multiple failings at Linden House, a 97-bed owned by Care Principles Ltd near Market Weighton.

The report comes after it emerged two patients had absconded from the unit during 2008.

Linden House Hospital said the problems identified were being addressed.

Tim Weller, of the Healthcare Commission, said the safety of nearby residents had been put at risk by the escapes.

Only through that vigilance and meticulous detail can we all be confident that those in our care are being looked after

Linden House statement

He said: "Whenever there's a lapse in security at a hospital that provides very specialist care... then that does pose automatically a risk to people in the community if those patients are at liberty."

The report said Linden House had failed to meet requirements of two enforcement notices issued in September last year.

Inspectors found there was no investigation or review of the hospital's policies on administering drugs after giving inappropriate medication to a patient.

Not all risk assessments were reviewed and updated following significant "untoward incidents".

Linden House also failed to report all incidents of violent and aggressive behaviour, inspectors noted.

And the inspectors said it was "unclear whether all staff had been appointed in line with the appropriate employment procedures".

Police liaison

However, there were improvements to a number of areas including staffing levels, staff training and meeting the needs of people with a learning disability.

Officials have told the commission they have worked with police to review policies on absconding patients.

In a statement Linden House said: "It is essential that we and our care teams... are constantly vigilant in checking that facilities... are meticulous in meeting, and proving that we meet, every aspect of every standard of care, training, staffing and physical resource.

"Only through that vigilance and meticulous detail can we all be confident that those in our care are being looked after in their own interests and those of the community."