- Independent mental health service
Riverdale Grange Clinic
Assessment report published 20 July 2026
Contents
Ratings - Specialist eating disorder services
Our view of the service
Riverdale Grange Clinic has previously been inspected by CQC on 7 occasions. The previous inspection was carried out on the 14 and 15 August 2018. At this previous inspection Riverdale Grange Clinic was rated overall good, with requires improvement in the safe key question. The service was found to be in breach of legal regulation 12(1)(2)(b)(c) of the Health and Social Care Act (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014; Safe care and treatment. This was because not all staff were up to date with mandatory training pertinent to their role, specifically eating disorder awareness training. At this current inspection we found improvements in these areas. Our rating of the service at this current inspection is good for safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well led.
Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act Compliance Summary
Mental Health Act
Staff had received training in the Mental Health Act (MHA). The provider had relevant policies and procedures that reflected the most recent guidance. An electronic database recorded when staff had read patients’ rights, dates of MHA appeals, and had accessed an advocate.
Staff had a good understanding of the Mental Health Act, the Code of Practice, and the guiding principles, and knew who their Mental Health Act administrators were. We saw evidence in care records that staff had read patients’ Mental Health Act rights to them. Patients had easy access to information about independent mental health advocacy.
Staff ensured that patients were able to take Section 17 leave (permission for patients detained under the MHA to leave hospital) when this had been granted. Copies of patients' detention papers and associated records (for example, Section 17 leave forms) were stored correctly and were available to all staff needing access to them.
An external auditor completed regular audits to ensure the Mental Health Act was applied correctly and provided reports of their findings.
Mental Capacity Act
Staff had received training in the Mental Capacity Act, and the provider had an up-to-date Mental Capacity Act policy, which referenced Gillick competence assessment for children under the age of 16. Gillick competence assessment was used to review whether children under the age of 16 had the maturity and understanding to make their own decisions about their care.
Staff had a good understanding and knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act. They told us they knew where to seek advice, and that they were able to approach colleagues with relevant knowledge and experience who could offer guidance, clarification, and support if capacity issues arose.
People's experience of this service
Overall feedback from patients, family members, and carers was positive. They told us staff were caring, kind, and supportive. We were told that there were enough staff available on the wards, and that there was a varied timetable of activities. Positive comments were also made about the care and support provided by the wider therapy team and, from families and young people, about the education team. Patients told us the food was good. Although the provider offered a single menu option for each meal, individual preferences and dietary needs were considered.
Patients, families, and carers were involved in decisions about care and treatment. We saw patients actively encouraged to take part in ward round meetings. Families told us they were invited to these meetings, received copies of the minutes, and were kept informed about any changes. Care plans were person-centred and reflected individual wishes and preferences. Patients confirmed that they were given copies of their care plans.
Families told us they were given opportunities to share their views about the service. When concerns were raised, the provider took action to address them. Where patient feedback was less positive, the provider acted quickly to investigate the issues and resolve them.