A CQC report released today has recommended that Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is placed into special measures. NSFT was the first mental health trust ever to be placed into special measures in 2015, and only came out of special measures last year.
The recommendation comes after the board "failed" to address serious concerns raised since 2014 (including from the College), according to the report.
Dr Adrian James, Registrar of the College said,
“It is appalling that patients and staff are being let down by misguided cuts to mental health services. When the trust was formed 5 years ago, my predecessor warned of the potentially devastating effects of the proposed cuts to services under the reorganisation plan. The CQC is now proposing to put the Trust back into special measures- this is the latest chapter in this long and painful saga.
It’s extremely disappointing that despite appearing to turn the ship around after coming out of special measures last year, the Trust appears to be back where they started because of not investing properly in its workforce and support services.
That a new Chief Executive has been appointed is a step in the right direction. It’s scandalous that the apparent leadership problems which have bedevilled this Trust since its inception are still to be addressed.
Since the Trust came into being in 2012, operating income has declined by 7.5% and according to official figures, the Trust has seen a 19% reduction in psychiatrists. Far from achieving parity of esteem, the Trust has failed to invest enough in mental health services.”
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