PATIENTS at a Redditch mental health unit, currently the subject of safety concerns, have been moved out after a fire broke out in a bathroom.

Some inpatients at Hill Crest ward are now receiving treatment via home teams or at another ward whilst repair work is being carried out.  

Last month, Unison told The Advertiser they are concerned about the level of violence staff experience on the ward.

The union said there have been various incidents at Hill Crest including an inpatient who threatened staff with a chair leg and boiling hot sugar water.

The small fire, which broke out in the early hours of last Thursday, involved a shower curtain.

Redditch Advertiser: Hill Crest ward, Redditch. Hill Crest ward, Redditch.

Hereford and Worcester Health Care Trust which run the unit said no patients or staff required medical treatment.

The fire has temporarily closed seven beds leaving the remaining eleven available for use, while repair work takes place.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “The patients affected were moved out and are receiving their mental health care either at home through our home treatment services, or on one of our other local wards.

“The staff on duty dealt with the incident professionally with the support of the fire and rescue service to ensure the fire was contained and put out quickly.

“We expect the seven beds to be reopened this week.”

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said they carried out an inspection of the service before the fire and the report will be published in due course.

“We have liaised with the trust since the fire and they will let us know when they will be in a position to re-open the ward after they have completed their own assessments,” a CQC spokesperson added.

Hereford and Worcester Fire Service confirmed they were called just before 3:30 am on July 28 to a small fire at the Alexandra Hospital.