Our inspection of 10 and 11 September 2013 found patients’ privacy, dignity and independence were respected. However, patients’ views and experiences were not always taken into account in the way the service was provided and delivered in relation to their care. The provider wrote to us and told us they would address the issues identified by 31 November 2013. This inspection found improvements had been made and the provider demonstrated their commitment to ensure they continued to improve and embed the practice ensuring it would be sustained.

We spoke with three members of staff, seven patients and observed care over two of the inpatient wards, Osborne and Seagrove Ward. The patients’ we spoke with were positive about their experience. We asked patients whether their care had been explained to them and whether they understood what the plan for their treatment was. Five of the patients we spoke with told us they felt involved in the development of their care plans. One patient commented, “staff always take account of my views”. However, two patients’ were unsure of whether they had care plans, saying, “staff do take account of what I think but I don't have a care plan but they ask me how things are going about once a week”. Another said, “staff do listen to me but have their own views”. Another stated they felt they were being listened to by staff. Patients’ we spoke with felt they were able to express their views with staff.

Patients’ views and experiences were taken into account in the way the service was provided and delivered in relation to their care. They experienced care, treatment and support that met their needs and protected their rights. The provider had an effective system to regularly assess and monitor the quality of service that people received.

Sevenacres Inpatient Unit provided a service for up to 38 patients. The three wards, Afton, acute admissions for older patients, Osborne, for patients under the age of 65 years and Seagrove the psychiatric intensive care ward (PICU) which can accommodate eight patients. The PICU had a seclusion room and de-escalation area. We looked around all three wards and inspected two of the wards. The inspection was carried out over two days; one inspector, a specialist advisor for Mental Health and an expert by experience were part of the inspection team. We spoke with 11 patients, 11 staff including ward managers, the Modern Matron and the newly appointed Clinical Quality and Safety Lead.

All the patients were happy with their care and treatment and stated they felt safe and respected by the staff whilst on the unit. All felt that there were enough staff, that staff were helpful and friendly, and that they were being cared for appropriately.

We found patient’s views and experiences were not always taken into account and a lack of clear involvement of patient’s family members and other people who had an interest in the patient’s welfare.

Suitable arrangements were in place for reporting safeguarding concerns and staff had the necessary training to keep people safe. There were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff to meet patient's needs.

The provider did not have a robust system to regularly assess and monitor the quality of service that patients received.