7, 8 and 13 September 2021.
During a routine inspection
We rated this location as requires improvement because:
The service did not provide safe care. Some staff were not following government guidance in relation to infection control and use of PPE. Some staff including bank and agency staff did not receive a thorough induction into the service.
The service was not well led; the governance processes were not effective as they did not identify that staff had not received a thorough service induction. Managers had not ensured that staff were following government guidance in relation to infection control and use of PPE. Areas for improvement identified by the manager had not been fully embedded.
However:
The ward environments were safe and clean. The ward had enough nurses and doctors. Staff assessed and managed risk well. They minimised the use of restrictive practices, 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 best practice guidance. Staff engaged in clinical audit to evaluate the quality of care they provided.
The service included the full range of specialists required to meet the needs of patients in the service. Managers ensured that these staff received training and appraisal. The ward staff worked well together as a multidisciplinary team and with those outside the ward 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 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.