24.01.18
Struggling MH trust shows CQC improvement with ‘flexible and highly personalised’ services
Sussex Partnership NHS FT has been given an improved score from the CQC more than a year after it was initially rated ‘requires improvement’.
The trust, which deals with mental health services across Sussex, was complemented on the “flexible and highly personalised” services that were available to patients.
It has previously been caught up in a number of controversies after the deaths of several patients prompted an investigation into the actions of the organisation.
However, following an inspection carried out between October and December of last year, the trust was found to have improved in key areas and even achieved an ‘outstanding’ rating for being caring.
Investigators ranked services as ‘good’ in terms of being safe, effective, responsive and well-led, and also found that the management of waiting times had improved.
Responding to the report, Sussex’s chief executive Sam Allen, said: “I’m delighted we have moved from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘good’ because it reflects our passion for providing high quality patient care and working with carers, families and our partners to learn and improve. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in helping us do this.
“I am proud to be part of an organisation providing outstanding care. I am also proud to work alongside colleagues who come to work committed to helping people with their mental health and wellbeing and committed to the values of the NHS.”
While the overall rating for the trust was upgraded, inspectors still found areas where services could improve.
For example, the adult social care location at the organisation’s Lindridge facility received a ‘requires improvement’ rating and some premises and equipment needed further work to ensure they were safe at all times.
In addition, investigators pointed to mandatory training targets, which had not been met by the trust on a number of subjects.
“Previously we rated services at the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust as requires improvement,” said deputy chief inspector of hospitals (and lead for mental health), Dr Paul Lelliott.
“I am delighted that the trust has taken to heart the findings from that and built on them to improve. We have found that the trust board and senior leadership team has put its clear vision and values at the heart of the organisation, working hard to make sure staff at all levels understood how this relates to their daily roles.”
The trust has recently seen changes to its leadership team, including new board members, which the CQC said had brought a fresh approach and helped the organisation to improve.
Top image: Sussex Partnership NHS Trust
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