Mother Raises Concerns Over Safety in Mental Health Unit for Teens
Teen was anything but safe in mental health unit, mum says
Image: The Bbc
A mother has criticized Chalkhill Hospital in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, for failing to keep her son safe during his stay in a mental health unit. Despite needing supervision, he suffered injuries, including burns and head trauma. The hospital, temporarily closed for safety reviews, plans to reopen with a new team in 2026.
- 01Lucy’s son, admitted to Chalkhill Hospital in September 2024, suffered severe injuries due to inadequate supervision.
- 02The Care Quality Commission reported safety issues at Chalkhill, including high incident rates and poor staff training.
- 03Dr. Oliver Dale, chief medical officer of Sussex Partnership NHS Trust, acknowledged the family's concerns and expressed shock at their experiences.
- 04Restraint methods used on Lucy's son involved multiple staff members and led to significant distress for both the patient and family.
- 05Chalkhill Hospital is set to reopen in 2026 with a new team and improved care model, incorporating feedback from families.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Lucy, a mother from West Sussex, has voiced her concerns regarding the safety of her son while he was admitted to Chalkhill Hospital, a facility for adolescents with acute mental health needs. During his stay in September 2024, her son sustained injuries, including second-degree burns from a boiling water tap and head trauma from banging his head. Despite being under constant supervision, Lucy reported that staff failed to prevent these incidents, highlighting a lack of effective observation and care. Dr. Oliver Dale, chief medical officer for Sussex Partnership NHS Trust, expressed shock at the family's experiences and acknowledged the challenges faced in providing care for patients at risk of self-harm. Previous inspections by the Care Quality Commission noted serious safety concerns, leading to the hospital's temporary closure in 2025. The facility is scheduled to reopen in 2026 with a new team and a revised care model, aiming to better involve families and improve patient safety.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The safety concerns raised by Lucy could affect how mental health services are perceived and accessed by families in the region.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think is the most important factor in improving mental health care for teens?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.