June 12, 2015 5.11 pm This story is over 105 months old

Five remain at Long Leys Court after patient’s death

Reassurances: Five patients still remain at Long Leys Court in Lincoln while safety concerns and a patient death prompt a special safeguarding meeting.

Long Leys Court in Lincoln. Photo: Google Street View

The trust responsible for Lincoln disability inpatient unit Long Leys Court is reassuring patients, carers and families after ‘serious incidents’ and the death of a patient prompted a safeguarding meeting.

The Lincolnshire Safeguarding Adults Board met privately with trust executives and Lincolnshire Police on June 12 after an investigation was launched into the death of a 69-year-old man.

Three serious incidents recorded at the trust spurred the temporary closure of the facility on June 5.

It was then confirmed by the trust that a patient at the facility had died in hospital on June 8, following a short illness.

The patient was not related to allegations which led to the closure of the facility, however police confirmed that they are investigating into how the patient died.

Of the 16 patients usually at the trust, five still remain on site after the closure was enforced due to patient safety concerns.

Dr John Brewin, Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Today we have met the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Adults Board to provide reassurances on the actions we have taken following allegations made regarding the quality of care provided at Long Leys Court, Lincoln.

“We would like to reassure all of our patients, families and carers of the trust’s commitment to being open and transparent while continuing to provide high quality care to patients.

“Due to patient confidentiality, and not to influence any of the investigations, we cannot disclose the nature, or individual circumstances, of any of the alleged incidents.

“At this stage it is not clear what the timescales for these investigations are, or whether they warrant further action by external bodies, but we reiterate our commitment to taking all complaints and allegations very seriously.

“The staff, who would normally be looking after 16 patients, continue to care for the five remaining patients at Long Leys Court whilst discharges are finalised, or appropriate alternative placements are sought.

“Additional management, staffing and safeguards are in place to minimise the risk of further incidents occurring.”