The Chief Inspector of Hospitals has rated Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust as Good after inspectors from the Care Quality Commission found that a number of its mental health services had improved.
The trust provides community health, mental health and specialised health services across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes, Berkshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset.
On its previous comprehensive inspection in September and October 2015, the trust had been rated as Requires Improvement overall. At the time the trust was told that it must make improvements in three core mental health services:
- Acute wards for adults of working age and psychiatric intensive care units,
- Long stay/rehabilitation mental health wards for working age adults, and
- Community-based mental health services for adults of working age.
In June, a team of CQC inspectors returned to check if the trust had made required improvements. As a result of that inspection, the trust’s overall rating has been revised to Good. Full reports on all core services are available.
On the acute wards for adults of working age and psychiatric intensive care units, inspectors found there was better management of risks to patients from potential ligature anchor points; improved assessment and management of the physical health of patients and the introduction of a fuller schedule of ward activities.
In community-based mental health services, staff had improved the quality of clinical assessments and care plans.
On the rehabilitation ward for working age adults, changes had been made to bring the ward in line with guidance on the provision of same-sex accommodation, there were more personalised and holistic care plans, and there was the removal of unnecessary blanket restrictions and improvements in ward governance.
Dr Paul Lelliott, Deputy Chief Inspector of Hospitals (and lead for mental health), said:
“At our previous inspection we found a variation in the quality of the mental health services provided by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. I am encouraged by the significant improvements since then in the care and treatment of patients and in the care environments.
“We found that generally the trust had taken action to identify and manage ligature points that could endanger people at risk of suicide. Patients and carers told us they felt highly involved. Although the trust were trying to mitigate the issue, staffing levels remain an area of concern and we still require improvement in safety.
“However we have found all services to be effective, caring and well led. I anticipate that the trust will continue to work on those areas which require further improvement.”
The report highlights areas of good practice including:
- The acute service had recently implemented a new procedure which had reduced the incidence of patients failing to return from leave by 80%.
- There were good links with the local charities Men in Sheds and Restore. This link, with full encouragement by staff, enabled patients to gain valuable skills and formal qualifications to aid reintegration into the community.
- In community health, referrals were triaged, allowing patients to have options about appointment times and venues which suited their circumstances. The service could respond flexibly to peoples changing needs by offering more intensive support.
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I am encouraged by the significant improvements since then in the care and treatment of patients and in the care environments.
Dr Paul Lelliott, Deputy Chief Inspector of Hospitals