Read the findings from our mental health hospitals, learning disability and Mental Health Act inspections during 2015-2016.
The purpose of this report is to summarise the themes emerging from the mental health hospitals, learning disability and Mental Health Act inspections we completed during 2015-2016.
During 2015-2016 we inspected 12 independent hospitals, 4 NHS settings and 7 follow up visits. We undertook 59 Mental Health Act monitoring ward visits covering 30 hospitals, most of which were undertaken as part of our inspection programme. In addition, we began a programme of review for patients that were subject to Community Treatment Orders (CTO’s).
What we found
- Positive rapport between patients and staff, despite staff dealing with very challenging patients
- Increase in NHS hospitals working towards and obtaining external accreditation, including Accreditation for Inpatient Mental Health Services (AIMS), Star Wards and Safewards
- Multi disciplinary teams working including community based staff across NHS is generally effective
- Openness of staff and patients to engage with the inspection process across both NHS and independent hospitals is generally very good
What could be improved
- More available beds in NHS hospitals
- Easier access to psychology and occupational therapy
- Consistent training in a variety of areas
- Clearer admission criteria
- Robust staff supervision
- Maintenance was also a significant issues with 80% of hospitals visited needing maintenance, refurbishment and replacement of equipment and furniture.
You can read the full findings from our inspections and the recommendations for improvement in the report below.