THE deputy chief inspector of hospitals in England said that “people are worried by the uncertainty over the future” of learning disability services in Oxfordshire.

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, which runs some learning disability services in Oxfordshire, has been told by the health watchdog that its services require improvement.

The trust had previously come under criticism after it was revealed that the death of 18-year-old patient Connor Sparrowhawk, pictured, was “preventable” when he suffered an epileptic fit in The Slade, Headington, on July 4, 2013.

The unit was closed in September 2013 and has not reopened after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) published a damning report in November 2013.

In the most recent report of the whole health trust, published today, CQC inspector Dr Paul Lelliott said: “The trust has re-configured its learning disability services in Oxfordshire, closing inpatient beds at Slade House.

“Despite this, some concerns remain and people are worried by the uncertainty over the future of the service.”

The report also raised concerns over staffing levels.

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Dr Lelliott added: “In common with some other mental health and community health trusts, Southern Health, is struggling to recruit good staff."

Chief executive of Southern Health Katrina Percy said: “The report also highlighted a number of areas for improvement, which we have already begun to address.

“We know that there will always be things we can learn from and ways we can make our services better, and we are working closely with staff, commissioners and partners to make progress.

“This is a challenging time for the health service nationally, and our work with colleagues in primary and social care will transform traditional care services.” 

To view the full report visit cqc.org.uk/provider/RW1