Calls for public inquiry into mental health services in North Yorkshire
MPs say serious failings are leaving people in crisis
The MP for York Central has stepped up calls for a full public inquiry into the Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV), because of concerns over the safety and quality of its mental health services.
Rachael Maskell led a meeting with Baroness Gillian Merron, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Mental Health. The cross-party meeting brought together MPs from across the region, giving them the opportunity to directly raise serious concerns about the Trust’s performance.
The latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection rated TEWV as "Requires Improvement," highlighting ongoing issues with safety, responsiveness, and leadership within the organisation.
Speaking after the meeting, Maskell said the situation at TEWV is no longer sustainable.
“This meeting has come following serious neglect and failures of safeguarding from the Trust, which have left people without adequate care. This has had catastrophic consequences, and tragically has meant vulnerable people have died in their services, despite warnings that they were at serious risk of harm,” she said.
The York MP cited extensive correspondence from constituents and personal meetings with families and individuals affected by the Trust’s failings.
“I have met with several constituents in crisis, who have been let down by a system they must depend on,” she said. “It cannot continue in this current state. That’s why we are urgently calling for a full public inquiry.”
The Minister reportedly listened "carefully" to the MPs' concerns and committed to reviewing next steps, with the aim of ensuring people across the region receive safe and effective mental healthcare.
In York, Rachael Maskell is working closely with Healthwatch to gather public feedback on mental health services and understand what meaningful support looks like for service users. Two surveys have been launched to collect experiences and insights:
Survey for individuals: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/W1DALF/
Survey for organisations: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/0WKCSY/
What do the Trust say?
A spokesperson said: “Our deepest sympathies remain with the families who have lost loved ones.
"As an NHS Trust, we have no role or influence on public inquiries. These are a matter for the government. We will co-operate fully as required with openness and transparency.
“We work with some very vulnerable people, and continue to take every opportunity to improve the care we provide and have made substantial changes over the last few years."