The Labour MP for Northampton South, Mike Reader, said there was a “culture problem” at the hospital which would need to be addressed.

He said he had been “horrified” by some of the allegations.

“It was clear, when the report was done, there was no learning culture. So things have gone wrong and lessons haven’t been learned and that is one thing St Andrew’s now has to get right,” he added.

Reader said he did not think it was likely the hospital was at threat of closure.

He said: “It is a critical facility for complex mental health in Northamptonshire and across the country.”

The hospital had made assurances there was a “different culture” that would foster “learning and improvement and care that puts patients at its heart,” he added.

However he said there were “questions to be answered” by the CQC and local NHS integrated care board about why repeated concerns were not dealt with.

“I will continue asking questions about how we’ve got to this position, particularly given the concerns raised by the CQC are so shockingly disturbing”.

A spokesman for St Andrew’s said an action plan was in place and apologised to those affected.

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