The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated a ward for older people with mental health problems provided by Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust as good, following an inspection in June.
The service supports people mainly aged 65 and over with acute organic illnesses, such as dementia, in the north of Derbyshire in the Snowdrop ward of Walton Hospital. This was the first assessment of the ward.
CQC has rated the service as good for how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led it is.
Greg Rielly, CQC deputy director of operations in the Midlands, said:
“During our inspection, we found a supportive, person-centred service. Staff were diligent and compassionate, involving people in their own care plans, or families and carers, when required. This led people to speak positively about the quality of the care and treatment they received.
“It was obvious that people felt safe and supported by staff, who were always available and attentive to people’s needs. Staff treated people with respect, helping them to feel heard and valued throughout their treatment journey and encouraging them to retain their independence as much as possible.
“As well as their emotional needs, staff also managed people’s physical needs while protecting their rights and preserving their dignity. Staff took a calm, informed approach when addressing incidents of distress, helping to mitigate further risks. They helped people understand their risks and how to manage them, and adapted communication methods for those with potential language barriers.
“The service offered regular, well-attended therapeutic activities. People told us these sessions helped to support their recovery, provided daily structure and offered meaningful engagement, all of which contributed positively to their emotional wellbeing.
“Staff clearly had a strong understanding of the duty of candour. When things went wrong, staff spoke honestly and openly to people and their families, offering clear explanations.
“The service offered and supported people to have regular one-to-one time with their named nurse, occupational therapist and occasional therapy technician, which helped to maintain relationships and ensure continuity of care.
“Staff and leaders should be proud of the many positive findings of this report which shows that the care is helping people to achieve positive outcomes.”
Inspectors found:
- Staff reassured and supported people during the referral and admission process, helping to reduce their anxiety during transitions.
- Staff reviewed referral documents carefully, ensuring they could safely meet people's individual needs.
- Relatives and carers said staff communicated well with them and kept them updated about people’s care.
- Staff gave people regular opportunities to raise concerns and share feedback, helping them to feel listened to and empowered.
- Staff responded promptly to incidents, reporting them accurately and updating care plans and risk assessment.
- Staff had a clear understanding of safeguarding, identifying and responding to concerns in an appropriate and timely manner to protect people from harm. They also worked collaboratively with external partners when required.
- The service’s policy was to only use restraint as a last resort and was well-documented and in line with best practice.
- The service’s equipment and technology were well maintained, supporting staff to deliver safe and effective care and treatment.
The report will be published on CQC’s website in the coming days.