Longreach mental health unit closed in safety alert

Inadequate fire proofing was put in place in the roof area when Longreach was built in 2003, said Cornwall Foundation Trust

An adult mental health unit has been closed temporarily after it was discovered there was no fireproofing in the roof space.

All 26 patients at Longreach Mental Health Unit in Redruth have been found alternative care, either at Bodmin Hospital, out of the county or at home.

NHS managers are arranging for the company which owns the building to carry out the roofing work.

Healthwatch Cornwall said the trust had no option but to move patients out.

Maria Edgcumbe, associate director of inpatient services at Cornwall Foundation Trust, said: "As part of a major refurbishment to improve the patient facilities at Longreach House in Redruth, the trust has uncovered a serious safety issue.

"We were disappointed to identify that inadequate fire proofing was put in place in the roof area when Longreach was built in 2003.

"As the roof space is a sealed area, it falls outside the remit of routine fire inspections, which we undertake annually.

"As tenants of the building, we have taken expert advice and immediate action to ensure the on-going safety of patients and staff."