Troubled hospital 'still failing to protect patients'

A health watchdog has highlighted more cases of patients being assaulted by staff at a troubled mental health hospital.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said it had seen CCTV footage of two incidents at St Andrew's in Northampton.

Its latest inspection report comes days after the NHS announced it was withdrawing its patients from the hospital.

St Andrew's Healthcare, the charity which runs the hospital, apologised and said that it had made significant changes "across every ward".

According to the CQC, a review of CCTV footage identified two staff assaults on patients and a staff member covering a patient's mouth during a restraint.

"Between the beginning of August and the end of October 2025, there had been six incidents where observing nurses were found to be asleep whilst they were supposed to be continually observing a patient," the report continued.

It added that the highest number of safeguarding incidents across the medium secure wards and forensic wards related to allegations of abuse by staff on patients.

But staff also told the inspectors that they felt unsafe.

One said the lack of personnel was adversely affecting their mental health and that they felt at risk.

Another nurse told the CQC "staff numbers are the biggest issue" adding: "I can't remember the last time I could sit and talk to patients".

The CQC carried out unannounced inspections between October and November last year.

These were follow ups after the regulator's previous visits in July and August, which led to a damning report in December where allegations of physical and sexual assaults by staff on patients were highlighted.

The latest report found the service was still breaching regulations related to person-centred care, safe care and treatment, safeguarding, dignity and respect, good governance and staffing.

The overall rating for the hospital has been kept at inadequate and it remains in special measures.

Ceri Morris-Williams, CQC deputy director of mental health in the Midlands, said that while St Andrew's had made some improvements, "we found there were still deeply concerning issues" which were putting people at risk of unsafe care.

She said: "Allegations of abuse by staff still remained the highest proportion of safeguarding incidents.

"Inspectors reviewed CCTV footage and were concerned about an inappropriate restraint and assaults by staff towards people in the service."

Earlier this week, NHS England asked commissioners across the country to make alternative arrangements for 287 people currently placed at the hospital.

The Charity Commission is also investigating the running of the hospital and how its trustees have overseen the safeguarding of patients.

A BBC investigation revealed how 15 staff members had been arrested following allegations of rape, ill-treatment and neglect.

Testimony from whistleblowers, patients and their families alleged a culture of abuse.

Northamptonshire Police confirmed this week that 10 staff remained under suspicion.

A St Andrew's spokesperson said: "We accept the CQC's conclusions and are sorry that care at our Northampton hospital has not always met the high standards patients deserve".

Their statement added: "Since the inspection four months ago, we have made significant changes across every ward.

"Following NHS England's decision to seek alternative placements for patients, we will continue to drive improvements so that, for the time they are with us, patients receive safe and compassionate care."

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