1 June 2011
During a routine inspection
All the people we spoke with told us they are involved in discussions about their care and treatment and have access to advocates to help them understand the information presented to them. They told us that this helps them to make an informed decision about consenting to their care and treatment. These people also told us that, within the limitations of being detained, they are able to make decisions on how they spend their time. They confirmed that they are able to go out under section 17 leave and that they take the opportunity to go out into the community and go on home visits when they can.
Comments about the food were varied, including, 'I have enough to eat' and 'Sometimes the food is OK, we have a take away once a week, on a Saturday evening, where we can choose what we want' and 'I have to eat what is on the menu; although we do get a choice of two main meals, one being a vegetarian option'. Other comments included, 'The food is 'rubbish' and 'portions could be better' and 'I would like more choices available' and 'Puddings are better than the actual meal'. People are able to buy snacks, but they are not allowed to eat these until after 6.30pm.
The three people with whom we spoke informed us that they have access to a range of people who are involved in their care, treatment and support, including health professionals, doctors, therapists, psychologists and nurses. However, one person told us, 'the doctors come and go every couple of years and then we have to start all over again, which is a 'never ending' cycle'.
People living on Chippenham ward told us that 'staff are OK and helpful', and 'the nurses on the unit are very good, they support me and my family, a third person commented, 'all the clinical team and staff do a good job'.
One of the people with whom we spoke talked about their future and where they would like to go when they are able to leave Beech House. This person acknowledged they will always need support, but was considering a step down unit. They told us they feel they have made good progress at Beech House, with the therapy and support provided.
People with whom we spoke told us they feel safe living on Chippenham ward, commenting, 'The staff on the ward keep me safe' and 'I do feel safe, although some people's behaviour is difficult at times'. Each of the three people we spoke with told us they had no reason to complain about the service, but would speak with the manager, if they had cause to complain and confirmed they had been given information about how to complain. However, one person did comment about the level of noise on the ward, such as banging doors, two way radios and general day to day movement around the home. This person told us that at times this can make them feel agitated. This person also told us the environment is OK and that they have access to sufficient bathrooms, however they commented, 'I occasionally have to wait for a shower or bath in the mornings, but this is not an issue'.