A local hospital which cares for teenagers with mental health issues is being placed into special measures.

A recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) report found the service at Ivestey Bank Hospital, in Wheaton Aston, to be 'inadequate'.

The hospital provides care for young people aged 12-17 with diagnosed mental health conditions and was found to be lacking in a number of areas.

The CQC said inspection was made in spring 2026 "in response to a number of incidents in which young people had experienced harm following the ingestion of items and the use of restraint".

A previous assessment was made in July 2025 following a serious incident during which inspectors found "that the provider had taken appropriate actions to address and mitigate safety risks".

The report states during the most recent inspection: "We identified areas of concern around young people's safety, environment and governance processes."

As well as receiving an overall rating of 'inadequate', Ivetsey Bank Hospital also received an 'inadequate' rating in the Safe, Caring and Well-led assessment categories.

At the previous inspection, the hospital was awarded a 'good' rating in the Safe category.

The CQC said: "Staff did not concentrate on improving people's lives or protecting their right to live in safety, free from avoidable harm and neglect.

"The service did not work well with people to understand and manage risks.

"Lessons were not learnt to continually identify and embed good practice.

"Medicines were not always managed in line with the providers own policies."

Inspectors spoke to young people and carers about the service who shared both positive and negative responses.

Patients on the Wedgewood ward were pleased with "the care and support they received" with carers praising "the support and involvement from staff".

However, the report states that "On Hartley and Thorneycroft wards young people told us that they did not always feel safe and that staff were not always respectful.

"Two young people on Thorneycroft told us that they had experienced pain and bruising following the use of restraint."

Some family members of patients on the Hartley and Thorneycroft wards raised concerns about how staff spoke to young people.

Approached for comment by Stafford Nub News, Ivetsey Bank Hospital said: "We are disappointed by the outcome of the recent CQC inspection at Ivetsey Bank Hospital and fully recognise the concerns identified within the report.

"The safety and quality of care we provide to children and young people remains our highest priority.

"We have carefully reviewed the findings and are already implementing a comprehensive improvement programme focused on strengthening leadership, governance, clinical oversight and the overall patient experience.

"We have already made progress in a number of areas and are working closely with the CQC, commissioners and NHS partners to deliver further sustained improvements."

The hospital has been placed into special measures with the hope that "significant changes" can be made.

Read the full report here.