We visited the Tamarind Centre and Newbridge House unannounced. In the main body of the report we have separated our findings for these two separate facilities.

A compliance inspector and two professionals from the Birmingham Cross City Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) visited three of the five wards (Sycamore, Cedar and Hibiscus) at the Tamarind Centre. We spoke with eight patients as well as staff and managers of the units, observed interactions on the wards and looked at a sample of care records on each ward.

We saw good relationships between staff and patients. Staff were enthusiastic and positive about the service and their role. A consultant we spoke with told us they were proud of the work they did in working with people who would otherwise be kept in prison. Patients we spoke with were very positive about their care. One patient on Sycamore told us “Staff are excellent, place is nice and clean. Staff always come and talk to me, the food is good.”

A compliance inspector, a Mental Health Act commissioner (who focused on those people detained under the Mental Health Act), and an expert by experience (with personal experience of mental health issues) visited Newbridge House.

We spoke with 11 of the 20 people staying at Newbridge and four staff. One patient told us “Newbridge is one of the best hospitals.” Another said they felt “Staff listened and understood.”

We have suggested some areas for improvement in the main body of the report.