Taunton mental health unit criticised over patient care

A Taunton mental health unit where three people killed themselves last year has been criticised by a watchdog.

The Care Quality Commission raised concerns about the care and welfare of patients and the quality of record keeping at Rydon ward on Cheddon Road.

Three patients died at the ward between May and July.

The unit said it had since taken steps to improve its procedures. The commission said it wanted patients to be more involved in their own care.

The report said there was no systemic failure or major concerns and that there was good practice in the majority of areas.

Planning of care

The unit’s medical director Chris Mortimer said it had taken the deaths “very seriously indeed”.

“Nevertheless we were pleased at the subsequent inquest that was held into these deaths that the coroner has found no evidence of poor care by the trust or its staff,” he added.

Mary Cridge, from the commission, said the unit met five of its seven standards.

“The sorts of things we are looking to improve are we want to see the people on that ward more engaged in their own care and involved in the planning of their care,” she said.