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

Ash Ward, Willow Ward and Wessex House

Barclay Street, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 5LX

Provided and run by:
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

All Inspections

Other CQC inspections of services

Community & mental health inspection reports for Ash Ward, Willow Ward and Wessex House can be found at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. Each report covers findings for one service across multiple locations
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3 September 2013

During a routine inspection

Ash Ward was a low secure unit which was able to accommodate up to 12 men who were detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. Willow Ward was a rehabilitation ward which was able to accommodate up to 10 people who were detained or informal. People using both wards usually stayed for several months.

Both wards provided clean modern facilities in single storey accommodation. All areas were well furnished and decorated in line with the needs and risks of the people who used the service.

People we spoke with were very happy with the care and support they received. One person on Willow Ward told us 'This is the best ward I've ever been on. They have definitely supported me to move forward.'

The staff carried out hourly observations on each person who stayed on the ward to ensure their safety. We saw that where someone's risk assessment indicated their risks had increased these observations were increased accordingly.

Staff told us that it was a good place to work and they felt well supported in their roles.

There was information on the wards about the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALs) and the advocacy service available to people. There was no information on either ward setting out how to make a formal complaint. This meant that people on the wards did not have clear information about the Trust's complaints policy or what they could expect to happen if they made a complaint.