Austen House

On the day we inspected there were six patients using the service. Two were informal, their section under the Mental Health Act 1983 having been removed and four were detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.

During our inspection we spoke with two of the patients. We also met and observed the care and treatment of four of them. We spoke with nine staff. This included nurses, health care support workers, a consultant psychiatrist, a consultant psychologist, an occupational therapist, speech and language therapist and senior staff.

We had received safeguarding concerns following a visit from the clinical commissioning group regarding activities, staffing, supporting patients with complaints and respecting and involving patients.

We observed staff interacting with patients in a friendly, relaxed manner and also treating them with respect. Patients moved freely around the service and garden and staff were readily available to offer support if needed.

There was a relaxed and happy atmosphere in the service. Patients were seen to be getting along well with each other as well as staff. One patient said 'I get along with everyone'.

Individualised care plans detailed the support and care each patient required. Patients confirmed they received the support they needed.

Patients told us their needs were met and staff helped them to reach their goals. They said there were usually enough staff on duty to ensure their activities could go ahead as planned.

Patients knew how to complain and were confident that things would be sorted out for them if they raised concerns.

The quality of the service provided was monitored by an effective quality assurance processes.