Hospital worker arrested over assault of patient

A female member of staff has been bailed following her arrest

A member of staff at a psychiatric hospital has been arrested in connection with an alleged assault on a patient.

Northamptonshire Police said a woman, from Northampton, was arrested on suspicion of assault and ill-treatment or wilful neglect following an incident on 29 June and has been released on bail.

St Andrew's Healthcare in Northampton, which is used by the NHS, said it had suspended a number of staff and launched an investigation into the allegation.

The hospital said it was "taking urgent steps to reinforce high-quality care across all wards" after the Care Quality Commission restricted new referrals to the hospital.

A Northamptonshire Police spokesman said: "Detectives are investigating a report of an assault which is alleged to have taken place at St Andrew's Hospital, Northampton, on 29 June."

"Due to the vulnerability of the victim in this case, officers conducting inquiries as part of this investigation have been in contact with the CQC and local safeguarding leads," they added.

St Andrew's Healthcare is a charity that cares for people with complex mental health needs.

The hospital cares for about 600 patients and employs more than 4,000 people across four locations.

Restricted referrals

The CQC said it had carried out an inspection of inpatient services at the hospital on 11 July.

A spokesman for the regulator said: "As a result, CQC took action requiring [St Andrew's Healthcare] to make immediate, specific improvements around safety.

"They are being monitored closely to make sure this happens, and a report containing the full findings from the inspection will be published on CQC's website when the usual quality assurance processes have been completed," they added.

NHS England said St Andrew's Healthcare looked after patients with "very complex mental health needs from all over the UK".

"The Care Quality Commission has restricted referrals to St Andrew's Northampton site to ensure the safety of their current inpatients," it added.

NHS England said it had "taken immediate action together with St Andrew's to ensure the charity keeps patients safe, meets contractual obligations, and prioritises a targeted programme of support which operates in line with CQC requirements".