Lancashire's mental health rehab services rated as Good by CQC watchdog
Patients told inspectors they felt safe, respected and supported by all the team who worked at the hospital.
Rehabilitation services in Lancashire have been rated as ‘Good’ by health watchdog, the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Positive ward environments with opportunities for involvement in meaningful activities, as well as carers being involved in their loved one’s care, including their views being listened to and respected were just some of the patient-focused highlights recognised during an inspection of mental health rehabilitation wards at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT).
The CQC carried out an unannounced inspection in June at Wesham Rehabilitation Unit which has 26 beds for male patients, speaking directly with a number of patients, carers and staff at the facility.
They found that patients compared the unit to previous placements saying that the environment felt less restrictive. They told inspectors they felt safe, respected and supported by all the team who worked at the hospital.
Families and carers were also unanimously positive, explaining how they were kept not only informed, but involved in the care being delivered, including being invited to important meetings and their views being listened to and respected, especially when concerns were raised.
They said that staff were caring and that the ward environment was therapeutic and supported their loved one’s recovery. Overall, they expressed satisfaction in terms of how staff supported patients and brought carers along on the recovery journey.
Dr Dush Mahadevan, Interim Chief Medical Officer at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are really pleased to have retained a ‘good’ rating for our mental health rehabilitation services following the CQC’s most recent inspection.
“Such services are an integral part of recovery for some our patients, maximising an individual’s quality of life and social inclusion by encouraging their skills, promoting independence and autonomy. The aim is to give them hope for future successful community living through the appropriate support. We know that many of our patients at our Wesham facility do go on to be discharged, living independently and it is great to be recognised by the CQC for the part our service plays in their journey to recovery.
“We will continue to offer an excellent service, with patients at the heart of what we do and we are also ambitious in our aims to improve health, offering the best care, while helping our colleagues take joy and pride in their work. We remain fully committed to delivering the best for our patients, colleagues, carers and families.”
The unit was previously inspected when it initially opened in March 2022. During the most recent inspection, the service also retained ‘good’ status in the well led, effective, caring and responsive domains.