Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust faces fast-track inspections and is among the five most likely to be putting patients at risk
By Dean Kirby
Manchester’s mental health trust is among the five most likely to be putting patients at risk, according to a watchdog.
Bosses at the Care Quality Commission have launched an ‘intelligent monitoring’ database that allows patients to see which trusts are highest on its priority list for inspections under a new regime.
The Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust, which provides mental health services across the city, has fallen in the highest priority banding.
It is one of only five trusts in the country to be placed in the top band.
The watchdog’s intelligent monitoring report highlights six ‘risks’ and one ‘elevated risk’ at the trust.
The six ‘risks’ include a higher than expected proportion of patients waiting more than 28 days between referral and their first psychological treatment. The ‘elevated risk’ was for staff sickness levels.
Michele Moran, chief executive at the trust, said: “It’s disappointing to see that the trust has been rated as being in the lowest band.
“Of the 55 areas reviewed, we have been given a ‘risk’ rating in six areas and an ‘elevated risk’ in one specific area.”
She said the trust was working hard to address staff sickness levels and to ‘empower’ staff to make changes as part of a listening exercise.
She added: “Two of the risk areas are not under the trust’s direct control.
“These relate to waiting times for psychological services, an acknowledged problem for Manchester and one of which commissioners and other providers are acutely aware.
“Our focus continues to be on continuous improvement, good patient outcomes and ensuring safe, high quality care for the people of Manchester.”
As reported earlier in the MEN, the Greater Manchester West Mental Health Trust falls within the second highest priority banding.
The Pennine Care Foundation Trust, which runs mental health services in the north and east of Greater Manchester, falls into the fourth banding, which represents the lowest level of risk.
The publication of Manchester’s banding was delayed.
A spokesman for the Care Quality Commission said: “While the bandings are not judgements of quality, we hope NHS trusts will use our analysis to reflect on where they may need to improve.”
Credit: Manchester Evenning News