A MENTAL health unit in Redditch is facing closure, following safety concerns and a damning inspection.
Hill Crest Mental Health Ward, based on the Alexandra Hospital site in Woodrow Drive, has had a difficult few years.
In 2023, a report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust did not ensure the environment at Hill Crest was well maintained, that risk assessments were not always created and reviewed in a timely way, and that staff were not confident that concerns raised would be acted on by senior leaders.
The ward was originally designed to have 25 beds, however in August 2021, this was reduced to 18 to be more manageable, and in 2023 reduced to 10.
In April 2023, Worcestershire County Council’s Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to seek assurance the local health trust was taking steps to implement the changes requested in the CQC report.
Further improvements included a new leadership structure, changes to staffing, including regular agency staff, increased therapy, greater patient voice and advocacy and enhancements to the structure of the building.
Although improvements were said to have be made, the building, and consequently the ward is to be closed.
A spokesperson for Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust said: “The staff and management team at Hill Crest have worked incredibly hard to improve the standards of care and the ward environment over the past 18 months.
“We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved and are confident that patients are able to receive good care at Hill Crest.
“We have recognised that the building itself, however, cannot be adapted to meet the latest standards for acute mental health inpatient care including en-suite bedrooms and good lines of sight throughout the ward.
“Our aim as an organisation is to run two main mental health inpatient campuses – one in Hereford and one in Worcester with wards and teams located together on single sites providing strong immediate support for our services.
“To date, we have completed a number of engagement and listening events with staff and the public, a presentation and oversight at HOSC and followed NHSE processes.
“A report seeking ratification of this decision was presented to and confirmed at July Trust Board and formal consultation with staff will commence.”
