Archived: Willis House

The unit had been operating for many years from the site and the building had been earmarked for closure, with the service moving to a new site. The building was run down with significant wear and tear making it look tired and neglected. This was not a pleasant environment for patients to spend time in. The trust advised us that the service was to be closed and relocated by the end of March 2012.

We also judged that the imminent closure was impacting on the service being delivered to patients as a result of staffing issues and a poor environment. While there were no serious issues around the well-being of patients, the service offered to patients lacked co-ordination.

The patient we spoke with was happy for us to report that they liked the staff and had been helped while on the unit but felt they had been here for too long now. However, they told us they were close to leaving and had been involved in these plans. The new service provider was visiting regularly to get to know them before they moved on.

We spoke with one relative. They told us that overall they were happy with the service provided, and they felt informed. Although there were some areas they felt unsure about, for example if restraint was being used. They said that staff did their best to protect patients from harm by others or themselves.

Relatives were invited to review meetings and were involved in care planning. They said 'I have seen the care plan and I think it is being carried out. My relative is given good care and has their needs and wants met. The care plan includes information about what to look for when they are not well, morning routine, likes and dislikes'.

The staff here are very good with my relative. I think they are trying to get strategies in place for them to move on'.

However they felt there was a lack of activities and a structured programme for their relative, which they thought was very important to manage their particular condition.