- Independent mental health service
The Priory Hospital Hemel Hempstead
Assessment report published 14 August 2025
Contents
Ratings - Long stay or rehabilitation mental health wards for working age adults
Our view of the service
Date of on-site assessment, 18 and 19 June 2025.
The Priory Hospital Hemel Hempstead provides long stay rehabilitation care and treatment for male and female patients with enduring mental health problems, and who may be detained under the Mental Health Act 1983, in a locked environment. At the time of the assessment the hospital had 38 inpatient beds, across 2 wards and offers psychiatry, psychology, rehabilitation, and well-being therapies. At the time of this assessment, there were 27 patients. Priory Hospital Hemel Hempstead is registered by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for:
Assessment and medical treatment for persons detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.
Treatment for Disease, Disorder, and Injury.
The provider had a registered manager and controlled drugs accountable officer.
We carried out this responsive assessment due to receiving information of concern. We assessed 31 quality statements across Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led key questions.
During this assessment we spoke with staff including hospital managers, nurses, healthcare assistants and members of the multidisciplinary team. We inspected the ward environments and clinic rooms at the hospital. We observed staff and patient interactions on these wards. We reviewed patient care records, and patient prescription charts and reviewed minutes of various meetings, policies and procedures, data and documents relevant to the running of the service.
At our last assessment we rated this service as Good. At this assessment the rating has remained Good.
People's experience of this service
We spoke with 14 patients. Patient feedback was overall mostly positive.
Patients told us:
They felt safe.
That staff were always available when they needed support.
There were a range of activities available.
That they can keep in touch regularly with family and friends.
There is access to advocacy.
The food had improved and was good.
They knew how to raise concerns.
Staff were good, helpful and respectful.
However,
Two patients said they did not always feel listened to.
Two patients said they didn’t have a copy of their care plan.
We spoke with 5 carers.
Carers told us:
They felt informed about care and treatment decisions and were given information.
They could keep in regular contact and visit.
Staff were kind, understanding, caring and respectful.
They were given opportunities to attend ward rounds and share their views on the care provided.
They felt supported by staff and were kept regularly updated.
Staff looked after the patients well and provided care that met the individual’s needs.
They knew how to raise concerns if needed and felt listened to.