ÃÛÌÒAPP

NHS leaders have pledged to continue to improve how the mental health care needs of patients are being met across ÃÛÌÒAPP Hospitals following a two-day Care Quality Commission inspection.

Inspectors carried out an unannounced visit to the Freeman Hospital and the RVI on 30 November and 1 December 2022 looking specifically at the care provided to patients with a mental health need, a learning disability or autism.

In a report published today (Friday), the CQC said improvements needed to be made around the assessment and management of mental health risks, as well as compliance with the Mental Capacity Act and Mental Health Act.

However, the report also recognised the dedication, kindness, care and commitment provided by staff to patients, which remains a constant despite the pressures currently facing our organisation and the wider NHS.

Executive Chief Nurse, Maurya Cushlow, said: “Many of our patients have mental health needs, learning disabilities and autism as well as needing physical healthcare, and staff across the trust work hard to support people fully. 

“I’m pleased that the CQC found that patients with a mental health need, a learning disability or autism received good care – with good outcomes – and during the inspection patients told us they felt safe in our care.

“The CQC also found that how we capture and record decisions in the patient record is not always clear. This inspection has provided us with the opportunity to review our policies, processes, and training so we can better support and prepare staff to meet the healthcare needs of our patients.

“Delivering the best possible care to all our patients remains our top priority, and I want to thank staff for their incredible hard work. We are committed to making trust-wide improvements until we – and the CQC – are confident that we meet and demonstrate the required standards.”

The full report is available on the CQC’s .