The Care Quality Commission
  • Mental Health
  • Independent mental health service

Archived: Doulton Lodge Independent Hospital

Main Street, Anwick, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 9SJ (01526) 832086

Provided and run by:
Doulton Lodge Limited

All Inspections

6 February 2013

During a routine inspection

Because of the complex needs of some of the patients at Doulton Lodge they were not always able or willing to share their views with us. In addition to speaking with three patients who did want to talk with us, we used a number of other methods to capture their experiences which included looking at records, observation, speaking to three members of staff, a healthcare professional and a visiting advocate.

We saw that the hospital was part way through a major refurbishment. The areas so far completed provided warm, comfortable and well appointed accommodation. Work was continuing to update the remainder of the premises.

One patient we spoke with told us he had lived at the service for just over a year and he was happy with the support provided for him. He understood the reasons for his detention and he spoke about the progress he had made since his admission. He also understood the support he required and who to speak with if he was unhappy about anything.

We saw that leave for medical appointments, therapeutic and social purposes was well managed and that patients were included in assessing how particular episodes of leave had benefited them.

We observed good interaction between patients and staff and patients appeared happy.

Records showed that the provider completed a wide range of audit processes to monitor the quality of the care and support provided to patients at Doulton Lodge.

7 December 2011

During a themed inspection looking at Learning Disability Services

We met most of the patients on Ruby Ward and spoke with four of them in more depth to gain their views of the service. All of the patients on Ruby Ward were detained under the Mental Health Act. This meant that some patients did not want to be admitted to the hospital and some patients were mentally unwell during our visit. This may have had a negative effect on some patients' views of the hospital and of their care and treatment.

One patient told us they were pleased with the progress they had made since being in the hospital. Another patient said 'staff give me good support'. One patient said 'staff treat me with respect' and 'I am very happy here'.

One patient made negative comments about the hospital. This patient and another patient told us there was 'nothing to do'.

Patients told us they felt safe. One patient said, 'staff would sit and talk to me if I was worried or upset'. Another patient said, 'I would talk to staff if I was worried. Staff treat me with respect and talk ok'.

Mental Health Act Commissioner reports

Each year, we visit all NHS trusts and independent providers who care for people whose rights are restricted under the Mental Health Act to monitor the care they provide and check that patients' rights are met. Immediate concerns raised by patients on those visits are discussed, if appropriate, with hospital staff.

Our Mental Health Act Commissioners may carry out a number of visits to each provider over a 12-month period, during which they talk to detained patients, staff and managers about how services are provided. In the past, we summarised themes from the visits and published an annual statement followed by the provider's response where applicable. We are looking at different ways to indicate the outcomes of our monitoring in the future.