A PRIVATE mental health hospital has been rated inadequate and told it must not re-open a unit after it was found to be dirty, damp and a risk to patients.

The Retreat, in Heslington Road, York, closed the Allis Unit to inpatients in 2015, but in January 2017 hospital managers decided to move in six patients while they carried out repairs to the nearby George Jepson unit, a ward for older people with mental health problems.

Two of the staff were so concerned at the risks to patient safety that they reported 13 safeguarding alerts – leading the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to conduct an unannounced inspection on February 13.

At the time of the inspection, all patients had been moved out of the Allis Unit. However, the CQC said: “Inspectors found it dirty, damp and cold. There was limited hot water and unsuitable kitchen, toilet and bathing facilities.”

The unit did not have its own grab bag containing resuscitation equipment or emergency medication, although one was available on another nearby unit. There was no clinic room on the unit and medicine storage was “not in keeping with best practice”.

The hospital has now agreed not to use the unit without first consulting the CQC.

Dr Paul Lelliott, deputy chief inspector (Mental Health) for the CQC, said: “Two years ago, the provider closed the Allis Unit because it was considered unsuitable, yet in January they decided to move patients in for six weeks, without thinking through the consequences properly, informing us, or involving patients or their families.

“Some of the patients had mental health problems that made them a suicide risk. This is a real concern because the unit had fixtures that could have been used as ligature anchor points and blind spots where staff could not easily observe the patients. To compound the problem, there were not always enough qualified staff on duty between the Allis and George Jepson units. The risks were obvious – and it is a credit to the staff involved that they reported their concerns.

“Following our inspection, the hospital managers agreed not to use Allis unit without prior consultation and a visit from CQC inspectors.

“In any case we will return in due course to check that the improvements we require have been made in the George Jepson unit.”

Cathy Waters, chief executive of The Retreat, said the care of patients “continues to be our top priority”.

She said: “The report provides us with an opportunity to reflect on feedback and improve services.

“It should be noted that the content of the CQC report focuses on two wards, one of which was closed at the time of the inspection.

“Throughout the report the inspection team makes reference to our staff being kind and caring and it’s reassuring and affirming to see this care recognised by the CQC.

“We took immediate action by closing the Allis Unit and appointing an interim manager prior to the CQC coming on February 13.

“We also made improvements to the systems and processes around environmental change and have developed and detailed an action plan which addresses the areas highlighted in the report.

“We welcome another inspection from the CQC to enable us to demonstrate this.”