A PRIVATELY-run mental health hospital in Aberbeeg has had its licence to operate suspended after an inspection found a number of concerns around the safety and care of patients.

Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) carried out an unannounced inspection at Pendarren Court on Thursday, February 7, and Friday, February 8.

And now the organisation has decided to temporarily suspend the hospital’s licence.

All patients, all of whom were receiving care funded through the NHS, have been moved to alternative hospitals.

Among the findings of the inspection were “significant gaps” in recording for care and treatment plans, which inspectors could place patients “at unacceptable risk of harm”.

Inspectors also said staffing levels were “inadequate” and there was a lack of leadership and management due to registered manager and ward manager posts being vacant.

There was also found to be no process in place to monitor issues such as risk management and analysis of incidents such as accidents.

HIW chief executive Dr Kate Chamberlain said: “We identified a number of issues of potential risks to patient safety.

“On this basis, we took urgent action to suspend the registration of Pendarren Court Hospital in order to protect patients.

“We worked closely with NHS commissioners to ensure that patients were moved to alternative hospitals safely.

“HIW continues to work with the provider to ensure that necessary improvements are made.”

Pendarren Court was registered to provide medial and psychiatric treatment to up to 12 male adults aged between 18 and 65 who have been diagnosed with a mental disorder and may be detained under the Mental Health Act.