Archived: Thames Brain Injury Unit

Updated 12 September 2018

Thames Brain Injury Unit is provided by Huntercombe Properties (Frenchay) Limited. It is one of two units that form the Blackheath Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit.

Thames Brain Injury Unit provides 17 beds for male and female patients. At the time of the inspection 15 patients were using the service. The Thames Brain Injury Unit is registered with the CQC to carry out the following activities:

• treatment of disease, disorder or injury
• assessment or medical treatment for persons detained under the Mental Health Act 1983
• diagnostic and screening procedures
• accommodation for persons who require nursing or personal care.

NHS England commission the service to provide an intensive period of rehabilitation of up to 180 days for patients who have mental health and physical health needs resulting from an acquired brain injury. Patients using the service are admitted from an acute hospital and most return to their own home after rehabilitation.

There have been eight previous CQC inspections of the Thames Brain Injury Unit. At the last inspection in October 2016, four regulatory breaches were identified. The service has a registered manager.

Updated 12 September 2018

We rated Thames Brain Injury Unit as good because:

• The management team had made improvements to the service since our previous inspection in October 2016. The maintenance of equipment and management of medicines was now safe. Staff had made improvements in care planning and learning from incidents. Arrangements for the safety and privacy of female patients had improved.

• The multidisciplinary staff team worked positively to ensure good outcomes for patients. Staff assessed and managed the care and rehabilitation needs of patients well. The service provided care and therapeutic interventions in line with good practice guidance. Staff effectively supported patients to regain their skills and independence following an acquired brain injury.

• The staff team reviewed and managed risks to ensure the safety of patients and there was sufficient staff cover to meet the needs of patients.

• Staff were proud to work in the service and reported that the management team listened to them.

• Patients told us that staff were caring and kind. They said staff had the skills to support them to recover and regain their independence.

However:

• The management team recognised that further work was required to improve clarity for staff on the location of information in the paper and electronic records.

• Staff sometimes entered patient bedrooms without knocking first.

• Although patients liked the range of food on offer, some patients said it was too salty.

Updated 12 September 2018