AN NHS facility where an Oxford teenager died will not reopen according to the health trust that runs it.

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust plans to close two units that make up Slade House, Horspath Driftway, Headington.

Headington teenager Connor Sparrowhawk, 18, died following a reported epileptic fit while taking a bath on July 4 last year.

An independent report said 15-minute checks on the teenager – who had autism and epilepsy – were too infrequent.

It said his overall assessments when he arrived at the unit were poor and his death could have been prevented.

Admissions closed in September following concerns from Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors.

Two patients have since left and the unit is now empty.

A November CQC report raised concerns about nurses not interacting with patients, faulty equipment and unsafe dispensing of medicines.

Seven members of staff are under formal investigation and a serious case review will take place.

Slade House comprises the Short Term Assessment and Treatment Team unit (STATT), where Connor was a resident, and John Sharich House (JSH).

A March re-inspection of JSH said four out of five key standards were being met, but concerns remained about respecting and involving patients.

Trust spokesman Nicola Bliss said: “It is our intention not to reopen JSH and STATT to admissions in the future.

“Before any final decision is made we will be talking to patients, families and carers, staff, and stakeholders to ask for their views.”

Oxford East Labour MP Andrew Smith said a new provider should be brought in.

He said: “I am concerned that people with learning disabilities need the right care and support now, and it’s very worrying how things are dragging on over the future of the units.”

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