RCN responds to CQC report into Castlebeck
Published: 28 July 2011
Responding to the CQC’s report into properties owned and run by Castlebeck, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing said:
“Like many people, we were appalled and horrified by the behaviours and practices we saw on the Panorama programme focussing on Winterbourne View. This latest report also has some extremely worrying findings. These are vulnerable people, and this report shows that some of the poor practice may be widespread. For example, patients are locked in rooms without explanation, restraint is used routinely, rather than as a last resort, and patients can feel intimidated by staff banter and do not feel safe. We must not underestimate the impact on residents if they are afraid of the people who are meant to care for them.
“Obviously, we understand that the CQC cannot disclose all the actions they are taking, but they are absolutely right to pursue the issue as a matter of the utmost importance. The regulator must have teeth, and must listen to the concerns of staff. As the CQC themselves made clear, staff training, low staffing levels and failure to report incidents are very real and serious problems. Our concern is that there will be an ever increasing demand for care, and more and more people will need care and need it outside of the traditional hospital setting. There has been a serious and chronic underinvestment in staff in this area which cannot be allowed to continue.
“Motivated, well trained staff who stay and develop in the long term can make a huge difference to the safety and quality of care. We have said for some time that the risks of reducing staffing levels, as identified in this report, are too high to tolerate, and nobody involved in caring for people should let events like those at Winterbourne happen again.”
Ends
Notes for Editors
1. For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media
2. The 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