Oxford's Helen and Douglas House hospice 'not safe'

A patient died at Douglas House in May 2016

A hospice charity has been rated inadequate and described as "not always safe" after the death of a young adult in its care.

Helen & Douglas House in Oxford was inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in December.

This followed the death of a patient at Douglas House in May 2016 after a problem with its breathing equipment.

The health watchdog said it found two breaches of health regulations and was considering what action to take.

In its report it said assessments were not always in place to keep people safe and care plans were not always up-to-date.

The hospice charity said an investigation had taken place and an "action plan" had been drawn up to address the concerns.

'Patient deteriorated'

The CQC said its unannounced visit took place partly as a result of the death being reported.

Helen & Douglas House chief executive Clare Periton said: "The incident... related to ventilator tubing. Unfortunately a patient deteriorated in our care and died later."

The report said staff were not given "specific training" for breathing equipment.

Ms Periton added: "We promptly appointed an independent consultant to undertake an in-depth investigation.

"We have also produced a robust and comprehensive action plan which has been implemented and approved by the CQC.

"We have a strong quality record over the course of our 35-year history and the provision of safe care to patients, with often highly complex and changing needs, is always our priority."

At the time of the inspection there were four children in Helen House and two young adults in Douglas House.

Helen House, for children, opened in 1982 and was followed by Douglas House in 2004 as a hospice for young adults.