A HOSPITAL has closed temporarily after it was rated inadequate and put into special measures by a health regulator.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspected Chesterholme, in Hexham, in May last year where it rated the hospital’s safety and leadership inadequate.

The Cygnet Health Care-owned hospital provides care and treatment for up to 26 patients with a diagnosed learning disability or autism. The CQC said there were 10 patients at the hospital at the time of the inspection.

A quality of care inspection report into Cygnet published by the CQC stated that Chesterholme and Whorlton Hall, in Barnard Castle, had now closed following a decision by Cygnet, in collaboration with key stakeholders, to suspend the service pending extensive building improvement works.

The report also stated that there was a high use of physical restraint at Cygnet hospitals compared to other mental health providers, and governance systems were not maintaining sustainable and high quality care.

Cygnet said it was taking steps to improve its quality of services, and planned to reopen Chesterholme later this year.

A spokeswoman added: “We treat some of the most acute patients that other providers may not be able or willing to support.

“Our priority is to deliver safe, effective and person-centred care.”