First round of NHS mental health trust inspections completed

Published: 22 July 2016 Page last updated: 12 May 2022
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We have now completed our comprehensive inspection programme of all 56 mental health NHS trusts in England, following the development, testing and roll-out of our new model over the last three years.

So far, we've published inspection reports and ratings for 47 of the 56 mental health trusts, with reports and ratings for the remaining NHS mental health trusts due to be released over the next few months.

The results of the inspections allow us to build a picture of the quality of mental healthcare services across the country. This information helps to draw national conclusions about the quality and safety of specialist mental healthcare in the NHS, so that the system understands what is working well and what needs to improve.

Of the 47 mental health trusts rated so far, nearly two thirds (29) are ‘requires improvement’ and around a third are good (17). One is rated inadequate (Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust – currently in special measures). None has yet been rated as outstanding.

Speaking about the findings from the inspections, Dr Paul Lelliott, Deputy Chief Inspector of Hospitals (lead for mental health) said:

“I am encouraged that we have seen some good care and we have met many thousands of staff who are compassionate and dedicated to providing the best support and treatment they possibly can for their patients.

“However, the emerging picture is that there are too many NHS mental health trusts that provide care that requires improvement before it can be considered fully safe, effective and responsive to people’s needs.

“Staff do not always provide care that is patient-centred, nor do they always fully respect people’s rights or fully involve them in decisions about their treatment and support. Too much inpatient care is being provided in outdated buildings that do not meet modern standards. These concerns can have a serious impact on a person’s recovery from a serious mental health problem.

“We expect providers to take these concerns on board, to learn from those we have rated Good, and to do everything within their power to ensure people get the safe, high-quality and compassionate care they deserve.”

 

I am encouraged that we have seen some good care and we have met many thousands of staff who are compassionate and dedicated to providing the best support and treatment they possibly can for their patients.

Dr Paul Lelliott, Deputy Chief Inspector of Hospitals (lead for mental health