Concerns raised over physical restraint of patients at Broadmoor

Broadmoor high security hospital in Berkshire has been rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission, with concerns raised about patients being physically restrained too often.

Following a five-day inspection in June, inspectors said they did not see convincing evidence that seclusion and restraint were only being used in cases when it was deemed absolutely necessary.

The withdrawal of extra pay for some staff working at Broadmoor, which houses some of Britain's most notorious male criminals, has also led to problems recruiting people to work there, it said.

The report said issues over staffing levels do not pose a threat to security at the West London Mental Health NHS Trust unit, but they raise concerns around cancelled activities and patients spending too much time in their rooms.

The trust, which cares for more than 33,000 people, received a "requires improvement" rating in relation to being safe, effective and well-led.

Inspectors rated the trust as "good" for being caring and responsive, and said staff at Broadmoor in particular were seen to show "real concern for patients on an individual basis and a desire to see them progress towards recovery".

Trust chief executive Steve Shrubb welcomed the positive rating for staff but recognised the need to cut down on the frequency of patients being restrained and said conditions for staff must be improved.