The CQC identified 22 breaches of regulation related to person centred care, safe care and treatment, safeguarding, premises and equipment, good management and staffing and told the service to submit an action plan showing what immediate and widespread action it is taking in response to these concerns.

Craig Howarth, CQC deputy director of operations for Northamptonshire, said: ‘We were disappointed to find that St Andrews Northampton hadn't made the necessary improvements following our previous inspections. Although the organisation had made some limited improvements in some services, the quality and safety of care in other services had declined further.'

A St Andrews Healthcare Northampton spokesperson said: ‘We acknowledge that we have not consistently delivered high-quality care to our patients and we accept the conclusions of the CQC report following an inspection six months ago.

‘St Andrew's Healthcare is a charity dedicated to complex mental health. Working in partnership with the NHS and other organisations, we provide essential and specialist care to some of the most vulnerable people in society. We promote an open culture, and when things aren't right, our staff speak up - we report it and take action.

‘We have developed a comprehensive action plan with the CQC to urgently address the issues raised. This includes strengthening our processes, enhancing staff training and improving leadership. In addition, we are reviewing our range of services to ensure we remain focused on our specialist area of complex mental health.'