NHS Trust apologises for ‘inadequate’ care

THE NHS Foundation Trust responsible for mental health services in Hillingdon borough has apologised for providing ‘inadequate’ care.

Central North West London NHS Foundation Trust has come under fire from the Care Quality Commission.

Inspectors criticised three key services – children and adolescent mental health care, crisis care and Riverside Mental Health Centre, which is adjacent to Hillingdon Hospital.

An urgent advice line was also branded a ‘disappointment’ by inspectors.

Trust chief executive Claire Murdoch said: “We accept their judgements. None are a complete surprise to us, and are mainly in one service. Improvements are already under way but I am sorry they’re needed.”

Ms Murdoch said the Trust was aware of waiting time issues, which she said was a problem nationally.

Healthwatch Hillingdon, a health and social care watchdog run by and for local people, welcomed the report.

A spokesman said: “From what parents and young people have told us, the most damaging aspect of mental health services in the borough are the long waiting lists to get treatment.”