Rampton Hospital, a high security psychiatric establishment managed by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT), has been flagged by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) once more as needing crucial enhancement. Despite some progress since its ‘inadequate’ rating in January 2024, the hospital, situated on the border of Lincolnshire, is still grappling with substantial challenges, particularly in terms of staffing shortages that affect the safety and standard of care provided.
For residents of Lincolnshire, these developments are particularly worrying due to the hospital’s location and its service to individuals detained under the Mental Health Act from this region. The latest evaluation highlighted recurring issues with maintaining secure staffing levels, leading to the regular cancellation of therapies and activities, and causing staff to frequently feel anxious and unsafe as a result of lone working conditions.
The report follows the distressing incidents involving Valdo Calocane, who was under NHFT care before committing acts of violence in Nottingham the previous year. This incident has led to a broad review of the trust’s services, which has affected the confidence in mental health care provisions for Lincolnshire communities.
While the trust has embarked on a significant recruitment drive and has demonstrated some improvements in the areas of patient privacy and dignity, the CQC has urged the trust to make immediate improvements to guarantee safety and enhanced care quality. As NHFT strives to resolve these issues, the residents of Lincolnshire will be monitoring future developments closely, to ensure the safety and wellness of those requiring such vital services.
This story has been adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
