We spoke with in excess of 20 people who were receiving care and treatment on three of the four hospital wards. Some people were detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. We also spoke with four visitors. People understood why they were in hospital and said that they felt safe on the wards. They spoke positively about their care and about how staff were able to meet their needs. One said, “They really understand my [Illness], nothing is too much trouble. Even the cleaners are helpful.” Another said, “Indeed, I am very well cared for.”

People said that they were treated as individuals and were able to influence their care and treatment. Before people received any care or treatment they were asked for their consent. One person said, “They [staff] always treat you as a human being and remember me as a person.” Another commented, “I have always been asked about what I want; I have never been forced to do anything.”

All of the staff we spoke with told us that they had received the supervision, training and development they needed to undertake their roles effectively. However, a significant proportion of staff had not completed an appraisal within the year leading up to our inspection.

We identified some concerns about the consistency of recording and the risks associated with the use of both paper and electronic records systems. We were therefore not satisfied that people’s personal records including medical records were accurate and fit for purpose.