Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Trust safety 'inadequate'

The safety of patients at an NHS trust, including those who might be at risk of suicide, is "inadequate", the health watchdog has said.

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation provides mental health services.

Overall the trust's services were rated as "requires improvement" by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Trust boss Dr John Brewin said he was "extremely disappointed" to have received the rating but claimed staff had "already taken action".

The trust currently has about 27,000 patients across the county and more than 2,000 members of staff.

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Dr Brewin, the trust's chief executive, said: "We were pleased that inspectors recognised our staff and volunteers, commenting on their caring, compassionate approach.

"With any inspection there will always be areas for improvement, as well as examples of good practice."

The trust was rated "good" for being caring and responsive.

Dr Paul Lelliott of the CQC said: "The trust had not done all it could to assess risks to patients or to minimise the risks on some wards to patients who might be at risk of suicide."

The trust must make improvements including ensuring sufficient numbers of qualified staff were available, he added.

The CQC said the trust must also ensure "all ligature risks" are identified and mitigated.