Rubery secure clinic warned on toilets, damage and mould

Damaged furniture, dirty toilets, graffiti and mould were found in a secure mental health ward after whistleblowers called in inspectors.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has ordered Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust to make rapid improvements at the Reaside Clinic in Rubery.

A CQC inspection took place in June and August after whistleblowers flagged concerns over safety, staffing and leadership.

The BBC has contacted the NHS trust for comment.

Amanda Lyndon, the CQC's deputy director of operations, said: "One of our main concerns was the environment at forensic inpatient and secure wards.

"We saw damaged furniture, dirty toilets with urine on the floor, mould around showers and sinks and graffiti which hadn't been removed.

"When we spoke to staff and people using the service, they said repairs and cleaning didn't happen quickly enough. This has potential infection control risks as well as being undignified for people who were using the service.

"This breached two regulations, so we issued a warning notice to the trust to make sure significant change is made as a priority."

She said inspectors did find staff working hard to support people and keep them safe without overuse of restraints.

And she said staff demonstrated a good understanding of safeguarding and spent time with people to build their trust.

"We have told leaders where we expect to see the rapid improvements highlighted in the warning notice and will continue to monitor their progress," she said.