Concerns Raised Regarding Norfolk Hospital And Wider Availability Of Beds

Specialist medical negligence lawyers have urged that action is taken to improve mental health services across the UK, after concerns were raised regarding a local hospital and further provisions elsewhere.

The Care Quality Commission identified eight areas of concern regarding the Beech Ward hospital in Norwich which is operated by the trust, including issues with incomplete record keeping and risk assessments, as well as poor compliance with assessment of mental capacity issues.

According to the Eastern Daily Press,  the trust has stated that it has submitted an action plan to address the issues and it now has “a robust system” to monitor progress.

Reports of the issues came after the medical director of Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Bohdan Solomka told the BBC that the trust was told at the weekend that no mental health beds were available across England either the NHS or private providers.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist medical negligence lawyers represent people who have suffered as a result of failings in care, including those affected by issues related to mental health services.

We can help you to claim compensation for clinical negligence if a serious injury or fatality has occurred as a result of inadequate supervision and care. See our Mental Health Negligence Compensation page for more information.

Expert Opinion

“It is very concerning to see the on-going issues identified in relation to mental health services both in Norwich and further afield. <br/> <br/>“The NHS Trust involved has confirmed that a lot of work is being done to raise standards across the Trust as a whole but the further problems at Beech Ward show there remains much more to be done. <br/> <br/>“We have seen first-hand how problems in the delivery of mental health services can have disastrous consequences for the welfare of patients and their families. It is vital that the steps being taken by the CQC and the Trust itself are effective in bringing about urgent improvements.” Guy Forster - Partner