Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) has published a report on the care and safety of mental health patients cared for at Cefn Coed Hospital in Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board (ABMU).
The report examined concerns relating to incidents that took place in 2010 and which were subject to investigation by South Wales Police. The HIW report took place following ABMU’s own internal review.
The HIW report recognised that whilst the Health Board acted quickly to initiate its own investigation into the concerns and to make improvements there remain “significant challenges ahead”.
The report makes 16 recommendations across three areas aimed at supporting the continued improvement in the services provided at the hospital. The areas are: patient experience; quality of care; and service development.
Commenting on the challenges ahead HIW Chief Executive Dr Peter Higson said: “One of these is that the hospital site is no longer fit for purpose; it is evident that its design compromises standards of care. As it is clear, however, that Cefn Coed will continue to provide an acute adult admission service for the next few years the Health Board needs to maintain a level of investment in the hospital that is sufficient to both improve the current institutionalised ward environment and the level of services provided, particularly staffing.”
Dr Higson added that the findings of the report “need to be considered by all other providers of mental health services in Wales”.
To download a copy of the report please visit: http://tiny.cc/1zwjcw