The Peter Hodgkinson Centre provided acute admission services and had one male and one female ward. Patients who were admitted were either detained under the Mental Health Act, 1983 or in agreement with their admission on an informal basis.

The Francis Willis Unit provided low secure forensic services for patients who were all detained under the Mental Health Act (MHA), 1983. The services were provided to male patients only.

We used a number of different ways to help us understand what patients experienced. This was because some patients had complex needs which meant they were not able to tell us about their experiences. We looked at records, including patient’s care files. We spoke to a number of patients in both units, the managers and staff who were supporting them and we observed how support was provided.

Patients told us they were generally satisfied and involved with the care, treatment and support they received. They said there were plenty of activities to do but in one unit there was limited access to outside space. Managers within the centre informed us they had taken steps to address this.

We found there were some issues with staffing levels in one unit. However, unit managers informed us they had taken steps to address this.

We saw each unit was using the provider’s systems to regularly assess and monitor the quality of service that patients received. Patients told us they were encouraged to express their views and they felt they were listened to.

We carried out this inspection over two separate days because each unit provided different care and treatment services.

The Peter Hodgkinson Centre provided acute admission services, and had one male and one female ward. Patients who were admitted to the unit were either detained under the Mental Health Act, 1983, or in agreement with their admission on an informal basis.

The Francis Willis Unit provided low secure forensic services for patients who were all detained under the Mental Health Act, 1983. The services were provided to male patients only.

We reviewed all the information we hold about this provider and carried out visits on 24 and 31 July 2012. We reviewed information from other agencies, the provider’s records, nationally held records and other people who wanted to share information about the service, for example relatives. Other agencies who gave us information included Monitor, and the Local Authority. Monitor is the independent body who authorise and regulate NHS foundation trusts.

We spoke to a number of patients in both units, and we used a range of different ways to help us understand the experiences of other patients who used the service. This was because some patients had complex needs which meant that they were not able to tell us about their experiences. We looked at records, including personal care plans. We spoke to the managers and staff who were supporting patients, and we observed how they provided that support.

Patients told us that they are encouraged to be involved in the services they receive. They said that they felt listened to and their views are respected. They also told us that the get good support from the medical and nursing staff, and they are able to make decisions about the care and treatment they receive.

Patients said things like ‘this is the best unit I have ever been in’, ‘I’ve been in a few places and this one is better because it’s calmer and staff take more time to get to know you’, ‘the unit manager is very good, superb, nothing she wouldn’t do to help’ A relative said ‘the relationship we have the team is excellent’