Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital cleared of patient restraint claim

An investigation found no evidence of unlawful restraint at the Dudley hospital - but bosses have been told ward and security staff could benefit from additional training.

The review was launched after the hospital's former head of security, John Marchant, made allegations over unlawful restraint of patients earlier this year. He claimed staff had routinely forced vulnerable patients to stay in their rooms.

But a six-month investigation by the Dudley Safeguarding Children and Adults Boards found no evidence of this at the hospital.

Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust had always strongly denied the allegations.

The probe was co-ordinated with reviews by the Care Quality Commission, the Clinical Commissioning Group and an independent review commissioned by the hospital.

The board included members from Dudley Council's social care team, West Midlands Police and Age UK.

Roger Clayton, independent chairman of the safeguarding board, said: "Representatives of both the adults and children safeguarding boards took the allegations very seriously and conducted a comprehensive and robust review holding Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust to account.

"The process involved working closely with the Clinical Commissioning Group, the Care Quality Commission and West Midlands Police who came to the same conclusion that no evidence of unlawful restraint was found."

An independent review resulted in recommendations in relation to training for security officers and trust staff.

A Care Quality Commission report was also considered as part of the overall review. Mr Clayton said after interviewing security and medical staff, the commission came back with a 'positive position'.

However, the commission also said security officers could benefit from learning more about dementia and mental illness, and that ward staff could learn when was the right time to call for the officers.

Paula Clark, chief executive at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are delighted that a robust review into allegations of unlawful restraint of patients at The Dudley Group has found that in every case, the restraint was necessary, proportionate and in the best interests of the patient.

"We have always strenuously denied the claims and we hope the reviews and investigations can reassure everyone that the welfare and safety of our patients, particularly vulnerable patients in our care, is our top priority."