CQC publishes report following inspection of wards for older people with mental health problems at South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
This unannounced focused inspection was carried out after CQC received information of concern regarding the safety and quality of the services. Inspectors did not rate the service at this inspection, therefore its previous rating of good overall remains, with a rating of requires improvement in the safe key question.
The overall rating for South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust remains as good.
Sarah Dronsfield, CQC deputy director of operations in the North, said:
“When we inspected the wards for older people with mental health problems, we saw a happy workforce that worked well together with kind and considerate staff who worked hard to ensure people’s needs were met.
“However, we found some issues that required the trust to take action to ensure people were safe. It was reassuring that leaders responded positively to the points we raised and already had plans in place to make changes and improvements in the areas we highlighted.
“For example, leaders provided information which showed they were aware of issues with poor staff training compliance and were able to show us detailed plans to improve and manage risks in the meantime.
“In addition, the numbers of falls on the wards had been highlighted as an area for improvement and the trust were able to provide detailed action plans in relation to improving this area. Leaders were also taking steps to improve the environment to ensure it remained safe and fit for purpose.
“It was lovely to hear that staff were so positive about the culture they experienced working for the trust, with many reporting they felt listened to and fully supported by managers.
“We will continue to monitor the trust, including through future inspections, to ensure the necessary improvements are made so people are safe and can continue to receive a good standard of care.”
Inspectors found the following during this inspection:
- Patients and carers that we spoke to said they were happy with the level of care that they received and observed.
- Staff cared for patients and showed that they had a good understanding of their needs.
- The trust had not ensured that all staff had the correct level of training to safely care for patients. Training compliance rates for managing violence and aggression, basic life support and immediate life support were low.
- Physical health observations were not always documented effectively, it was not always clear why they had not been carried out.
- Not all staff had been offered an appraisal of their work.
- The delivery and quality of care offered to patients was inconsistent across the sites visited.
You can read more on CQC's website about the current approach to inspections, including how services are currently monitored and regulated.
CQC is listening to what people are saying about services to help detect any changes in care. If there is evidence people are at immediate risk of harm, CQC can and will take action to ensure that people are being kept safe.
CQC encourages people to give feedback as part of its 'Because we all care' campaign, and people can give feedback about their care to CQC via the details below.
- Give feedback via the website
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing the SignLive and text relay service enable you to give feedback in BSL or via the Relay UK app.
- Telephone - 03000 616161
