LONDON, 29 Jan: The NHS trust that treated paranoid schizophrenic Valdo Calocane before his deadly attack in Nottingham last year will face a government-ordered review.
Calocane killed three people in June 2022 after years of severe mental illness and interactions with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Highbury Hospital.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will conduct the rapid review of the trust’s mental health services. It aims to provide answers to victims’ families and help improve care standards.
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Findings will be presented to the Health Secretary in March. This comes alongside an existing independent mental health homicide review.
Calocane was in and out of Highbury Hospital under the trust’s care. Inspections found issues including inadequate psychiatric facilities.
The CQC said its November 2022 inspection also highlighted committed staff. But acute services require improvement.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said scrutinizing mental health services is crucial for patient care and public safety. The review should provide much-needed answers.
Thirty Highbury Hospital staff were recently suspended over patient mistreatment and record falsification allegations. These are being handled separately.
Experts hope learning from failings in Calocane’s care can prevent similar tragedies. The trust says it is committed to delivering the safest patient care possible.