14 to 15 August 2019
During a routine inspection
We rated Cygnet Lodge as good because:
- The environment was clean. The wards had enough nurses and doctors. Staff assessed and managed risks well. They managed medicines safely and followed good practice with respect to safeguarding.
- Staff developed holistic, recovery-oriented care plans informed by a comprehensive assessment. They provided a range of treatments suitable to the needs of the patients cared for in a mental health rehabilitation ward and in line with national guidance about best practice. Staff engaged in clinical audit to evaluate the quality of care they provided.
- The service included or had access to the full range of specialists required to meet the needs of patients at the hospital. The manager ensured these staff received training, supervision and appraisal. The staff worked well together as a multidisciplinary team and with those outside the hospital who would have a role in providing aftercare.
- Staff understood and discharged their roles and responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 1983 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
- Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, and understood the individual needs of patients. They actively involved patients and families and carers in care decisions.
- Staff planned and managed discharge well and liaised well with services that would provide aftercare. As a result, discharge was rarely delayed for other than a clinical reason.
- The service worked to a recognised model of mental health rehabilitation. It was well led, and the governance processes ensured that ward procedures ran smoothly.
However:
- Staff did not fully complete observation records or ensure hourly observations were varied within the hour. Observations should be at irregular intervals in a pattern which cannot be predicted.
- Staff did not always record the distribution of bladed razors to patients.
- The service did not always provide weekend activities for patients
- The provider should ensure the governance and oversight of the observation policy and the implementation into everyday practice.