Warren Court and Oak Unit safety 'requires improvement'

Both Warren Court, in Abbots Langley, and Oak Unit, in Radlett, were inspected last year and reports published last week (May 26) rated both ‘good’ overall while downgrading them to ‘requires improvement’ in the safety category.

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT), which runs both units, responded by confirming it has “made a number of changes” to address the concerns.

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At Oak Unit, a male psychiatric intensive care unit where all patients were detained under The Mental Health Act, breaches of regulations were found after concerns over patient safety and quality of the service prompted the inspection.

During the October 2022 inspection, the CQC found staff were “regularly” required to carry out patient observations for longer than recommended, sometimes without being given a break.

One patient told the independent health and social care regulator that they were being charged twice what it cost to buy vaping machines in the community to buy them from the trust.

Kingsley Green, Radlett, where Oak Unit is located (Image: Google Street View)

“They felt this was unfair,” the report added.

“Another told us if the machine on the ward where they bought vapes was empty this caused 'tensions to rise'."

High staff turnover, vacancy, and sickness was noted.

The temperature on the ward was apparently “uncomfortably hot” and could not be easily adjusted by staff, however inspectors added “there were plans in place to mitigate this”.

There were also positive safety findings. Restrictive interventions were rare and the "track record on safety" was found to be good.

"Caring", the other of two categories inspected, was rated 'good'.

The CQC also carried out an “urgent unannounced inspection" of Warren Court, a medium secure unit for men with a learning disability, additional mental health needs, and a history of offending, in November 2022.

Warren Court, Abbots Langley (Image: Google Street View)

Inspectors had received concerns about safety and quality and “whistleblowing concerns” about its culture.

The report said staff didn't monitor clinic rooms or fridges consistently so didn't know if medicines requiring refrigeration were kept at the correct temperature, those using the service said they were often bored, and all but one lacked necessary positive behaviour support plans.

The "caring" and "well led" categories were also inspected and rated 'good'.

HPFT chief executive Karen Taylor said: “I am pleased that the CQC has rated both Warren Court and Oak ward as 'good' overall.

“Over the six months since the inspections took place, we have made a number of changes and I am confident that they are making a difference and we have addressed the concerns raised."

The trust said it was "particularly pleased" to see its positives, which included regular safety audits, risk management, staff understanding how to protect patients, and regular good interactions with patients, noted.

She added: “We will continue to work closely with service users, their families, carers and the CQC to ensure we keep providing high quality care to our service users.”

Steps already taken to improve apparently include focused recruitment, clinical audits, consultation with users on updating and redecorating, expanded activities, and a new sensory integration room.