22.07.16
CQC: Too many mental health trusts rated ‘requires improvement’
The inspection programme for mental health trusts in England is due to be completed shortly, but nearly two-thirds of trusts have been rated ‘requires improvement’ so far.
The CQC said that it has completed its inspection of all 56 trusts and will publish all its results shortly.
However, of the 47 inspected so far, 29 (62%) are rated ‘requires improvement’, 17 are rated ‘good’ and none are rated ‘outstanding’. One trust, Norfolk and Suffolk NHS FT, was rated ‘inadequate’ and is currently in special measures.
Dr Paul Lelliott, the CQC’s deputy chief inspector of hospitals and lead for mental health, said: “During these inspections, I am encouraged that we have seen some good care and we have met many thousands of staff who are compassionate and dedicated to providing the best support and treatment they possibly can for their patients.
“However, the emerging picture is that there are too many NHS mental health trusts that provide care that requires improvement before it can be considered fully safe, effective and responsive to people’s needs.
“Staff do not always provide care that is patient-centred, nor do they always fully respect people’s rights or fully involve them in decisions about their treatment and support. Too much inpatient care is being provided in outdated buildings that do not meet modern standards. These concerns can have a serious impact on a person’s recovery from a serious mental health problem.
Dr Lelliott added that he expects providers to take the CQC’s concerns on board, to learn from those it has rated good, “and to do everything within their power to ensure people get the safe, high-quality and compassionate care they deserve”.
The CQC inspections come at a time of increased scrutiny for mental health services after the mental health taskforce’s final report found that they are failing patients.
3.30pm UPDATE
Paul Farmer, chief executive of mental health charity Mind, said: “We’re pleased that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is now independently monitoring, inspecting and regulating mental health services. It’s worrying to see that two thirds of the 47 mental health trusts in England already inspected have been rated as requiring improvement, while one has been deemed inadequate. It’s so important that people receiving treatment and support for their mental health receive quality care in a safe and therapeutic environment, regardless of where they live.”
He added that it was “vital” that the new Five Year Forward View for mental health achieved “real positive change on the ground.”
Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an NHE columnist? If so, click here.