Immediate risks identified within Mental Health Service

A review team visited the Island in April this year - as part of their investigation they looked at the Isle of Man's Mental Health Services including Grianagh Court. 

 

Reviewers found staff who were providing care were 'generally committed' with many willing to go 'the extra mile' - however there were immediate risks identified.

 

During the visit to the in-patient 'older adult ward' reviewers found several 'ligature points' didn't have 'anti-barricade doors' - that's despite a risk assessment in 2015 identifying high risk areas. 

 

The service says that was particularly concerning because of the fact younger patients were sometimes being cared for on the ward - something deemed 'inappropriate and potentially unsafe'.  

 

Patients on the ward told the reviewers that they didn't feel safe and that staff 'did not want to listen to them' - their relatives were also said to be 'very negative' about the service. 

 

Other concerns raised included issues with safeguarding training, care plans and risk assessments. 

 

The Department of Health and Social Care says it has now repeated the ligature reduction audit and blamed the mix of patient ages on a lack of beds.