NHS mental health trust faces prosecution over safety breaches after three patient deaths

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is prosecuting the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust over three patient deaths and alleged “avoidable harm”. The Trust, responsible for mental health services in County Durham and Teesside, is accused of breaching the Health and Social Care Act. The case will appear before Teesside Magistrates’ Court on May 17. The CQC’s investigation was prompted by the death of 17-year-old Christie Harnett under the Trust’s care.