Mental health services must learn the lessons of CQC report

Published: 21 July 2009

Embargo: 00:01 Tuesday 21st July 2009

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on a new report by the Care Quality Commission into the West London Mental Health NHS Trust. The report found significant problems at a number of sites including a lack of beds, low staffing levels and serious threats to patient safety.

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:

"Unfortunately this report shows again what can happen to patient care when staffing levels become woefully low. When a quarter of jobs are left unfilled, leaving staff working 15 hour shifts, it simply becomes impossible to deliver the right level of care that patients need and deserve."

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Notes for Editors

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Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.