Archived: The Copse

Updated 15 December 2016

The Copse is a locked rehabilitation hospital for men and women requiring a medium term placement focusing on rehabilitation in order to progress onto community placements. The service is run by Partnerships in Care (PiC). At the time of our inspection all of the patients were detained under the Mental Health Act.

There are 24 bedrooms arranged in four small units, with each unit offering a therapeutic environment. The Copse is situated in a residential cul-de-sac, providing access to activities in the wider community.

The hospital had not been inspected before by CQC, and was opened in March 2015.

Updated 15 December 2016

We rated the Copse as good because:

• The provider used a daily management report titled safe staffing levels, and these were completed twice a day. Any incidents which had occurred were reviewed by managers and senior clinicians the following day in a multi-disciplinary meeting.
• The Copse did not have a seclusion room and the philosophy was one of de-escalation. There had been no recorded incidents of seclusion since opening in 2015. The care records had up to date, personalised, holistic, and recovery orientated care plans present.
• Admissions to the hospital were planned and involved a comprehensive pre-admission assessment including risk assessment and initial care planning. Efforts were made to ensure that patients were able to continue leave from the hospital where appropriate to reduce disruption to their recovery pathway.
• We saw evidence of a very comprehensive physical health examination on admission involving both the hospital doctor on the day of admission and the visiting GP the following day. All patients had a minimum of monthly physical observations, if they were needed more frequently; a care plan regarding this was drawn up.
• All new permanent staff carried out a 12-week induction programme which consists of e-learning, training sessions and workplace induction.The hospital, although providing a service for a small patient number, employed a full time social worker and a psychologist which helped to ensure a broad approach to patient recovery.
• Throughout the day, we observed positive interactions between staff and patients. Potential patients were able to visit the service prior to admission and were given a welcome pack with complaints information on admission.
• All patients had access to an independent advocacy service.There had been no external transfer of any patients requiring either acute of psychiatric intensive care unit beds over the last six months.
• All patient areas were light and reasonably spacious with new comfortable furniture. Patients were able to make their own drinks and snacks whenever they wanted, with support from staff.
• Staff appeared enthusiastic and engaged with the patients. They told us they felt able to report incidents and raise concerns. They said morale was good and that they felt supported both by local and regional managers.

Updated 15 December 2016