Staff photographed sleeping at 'unsafe' eating disorder unit

"Staff at a specialist eating disorder unit have been photographed sleeping when they should have been looking after patients who were at risk of harming themselves. There were multiple "unsafe" incidents because of staff failings, according to whistleblowers. Many seriously ill patients have told the BBC they felt their time on the unit had made their condition worse. Schoen Clinic York said "where specific concerns have been raised, they have been fully investigated and addressed" but no "systemic issues" were found."

"In total, we have spoken to nine former inpatients and five members of staff who told us of: Workers sleeping when they were meant to be monitoring vulnerable patients Staff witnessing patients self-harming and not helping them Patients with eating disorders served unhygienic food Workers using triggering language such as "you're not skinny enough to be in here" Naomi, who is in her 30s, wanted to live at home during treatment for her anorexia so she could continue to look after her child."

Photographs show staff at a specialist eating disorder unit sleeping while responsible for patients at risk of self-harm. Whistleblowers report multiple unsafe incidents caused by staff failings. Former inpatients and staff recounted examples including workers sleeping during monitoring, witnessing self-harm without intervening, unhygienic food, and staff using triggering language such as 'you're not skinny enough to be in here.' Nine former inpatients and five staff provided accounts. One patient was admitted despite preferring community treatment. The clinic said specific concerns were investigated and no systemic issues were found. The Care Quality Commission previously rated the service 'good' and continued monitoring.

Read at www.bbc.com