Archived: The Huntercombe Centre - Derby

We saw that the service had improved its access to external areas since our previous inspection visit in December 2012. There was now freedom of movement into the grounds and courtyard area and there was a notice displayed reminding non-detained people they could go out.

People we spoke with were positive about the support they were receiving from the service. One person told us 'I like it here' and said staff helped them. Another told us they felt safe and said they felt they had made progress whilst using the service. Another person said 'It's good here'.

People we spoke with told us they knew how to make a complaint and were confident that the managers would take their concerns seriously and we found records confirmed this. One person told us "I go and talk to someone" when they had any worries and confirmed that staff listened and acted on any complaints.

People we spoke with confirmed they had been given leaflets, although not all were able to read, but they also said they had been given important details verbally.

People we spoke with told us they had the opportunity to attend college courses. One person said they were bored. One person we spoke with described staff as sensitive and kind, making her feel welcome and comfortable but another person described staff as unhelpful and told us they wanted to move.

We found that people's care and support records did not always reflect changes in people's needs and there was a lack of clarity about access to outdoors for people not detained under the Mental Health Act.