'Anxiety among workforce' at Northampton mental health hospital as union calls for 'accountability' from leaders
A union representing workers at a troubled mental health hospital in Northampton has called for “openness” and “accountability” from leaders, after NHS England ordered all inpatients to be moved.
In a statement released on Thursday March 12, UNISON, which represents staff at St Andrew’s Healthcare in Northampton, has said there is “understandable anxiety” among the workforce about “their own futures and the patients they care so deeply about”.
Earlier this week, NHS England told the healthcare provider to remove all 287 inpatients from the site, due to continued safety concerns. Some members of staff at the hospital have been at the centre of assault allegations and police investigations, with several arrests made. However, UNISON says “hundreds of staff” are “troubled by these serious allegations”.
East Midlands regional organiser for UNISON, Nadeem Samari, said: “Patient care must always come first.
“This is an extremely serious situation, with NHS England taking the unprecedented step of removing all 287 inpatients to ensure their safety.
“There’s understandable anxiety among the workforce about their own futures and the patients they care about so deeply
“Hundreds of staff, including nurses, healthcare assistants and support staff, are troubled by these serious allegations. They’ve had nothing to do with the creation of this crisis.
Whatever the future holds, jobs and specialist skills must remain in Northampton
“It’s disappointing the chief executive chose to retire this week without offering an apology or accepting any responsibility.
“At a time of such serious failings, there should be a demonstration of openness, regret, and accountability from the leadership. Not stepping aside at this difficult time and failing to address the harm caused.”
NHS England is working with provider networks to find “appropriate alternative placements for patients”.
A St Andrew’s spokesman said earlier this week: “Patient wellbeing is our priority, and we are working with NHS to understand next steps to support patients and manage any change to their care.
“In the meantime, we will continue to deliver rapid and far-reaching improvements to patient care across every ward in Northampton, supported by NHS England.”
The healthcare provider also said the board will lead the appointment of an interim CEO, which it hopes to make in a few weeks’ time.
On Friday March 13, another damning health watchdog report was also published about the hospital.