A HEALTH regulator has raised concerns over a mental health unit’s reduced staff numbers which meant vulnerable patients were left to their own devices for prolonged periods of time.

Following a surprise inspection in September, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found Victoria Centre, based at the Great Western Hospital, had failed to recruit enough staff to keep patients occupied and at times cater to their specific needs.

But the unit also met the majority of the watchdog’s essential standards and the staff in particular were singled out for praise.

The mental health unit consists of Liddington and Hodson Wards and treats people with functional illnesses such as depression or anxiety, and many other conditions including dementia.

In its inspection report the CQC said: “We were concerned about the level of therapeutic support and activities available to patients because of inadequate staffing levels in this area. All of the people we spoke to on both Liddington and Hodson Wards told us they were bored and sometimes lonely.

“One person told us ‘We can watch television but there is not enough to do’. Another person, when asked how they occupied themselves, replied ‘I just sit and wait for dinner like I am doing now. If I was at home I would have plenty to do’.

“There were not enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff to meet people’s needs. We have judged that this has a minor impact on people who use the service, and have told the provider to take action.”

Temporary workers were recruited to plug the staffing gap but this was seen as detrimental to the continuity of patient care by ward staff themselves, according to the review.

Despite these shortcomings, the Victoria Centre met four out of five essential standards. The CQC was full of praise for the unit’s attentive and caring employees.

“Patients appeared well cared for and confirmed this when we spoke with them. They were complimentary about the staff, describing them as ‘caring’ and ‘friendly’. We observed staff interacting with patients. They were attentive and alert to people’s moods and we saw them comforting people when they became distressed or agitated.”

Hazel Watson, director of nursing at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership, said she was delighted with the reports’ glowing comments on Victoria Centre workers.

She explained that all vacancies had been filled since the inspection and that staff levels were now up to scratch.

“We are pleased to receive such a positive report from the CQC which recognises the quality of care our staff deliver and the work they do,” she said.

“Since the inspectors visited the Victoria Centre, vacancies have been filled and agency staff replaced. Further work is taking place to identify how we might strengthen our therapies service.”