Althorp Grange

The ward teams had access to the specialists needed and worked well together, including with services involved in aftercare.

“The ward staff worked well together as a multidisciplinary team and with those outside the ward who would have a role in providing aftercare.” from the report

Staff understood their responsibilities under the Mental Health Act and the home had effective processes for recording the related paperwork.

“Staff understood and discharged their roles and responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 1983 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005.” from the report

Inspectors found that discharge was generally planned and that staff worked with services providing aftercare.

“Staff planned and managed discharge well and liaised well with services that would provide aftercare.” from the report

Patients had good access to garden areas and fresh air, although access to one garden was controlled by staff.

“There was good access to the garden areas and fresh air.” from the report

Ligature risks and blind spots were not properly reduced. Inspectors also found unsafe corridors, damaged areas and equipment that was not reliably checked.

“The provider had not identified appropriate mitigation for identified ligature risks.” from the report

Inspectors found repeated aggression and safeguarding concerns, including risks linked to allergies and sexual vulnerability. Some patients said they felt unsafe and did not receive proper follow-up after incidents.

“Thirteen patients told us that they felt unsafe on the wards” from the report

Patients were not always involved in their care plans or given copies. The home did not provide regular rehabilitation opportunities such as education and employment.

“Not all patients had not been fully involved in the development and ongoing monitoring and given a copy of their care plan.” from the report

Staff did not always treat patients with compassion, privacy, dignity and respect. The report includes concerns about hurtful, racist and derogatory remarks.

“Staff who had made hurtful, racist, and derogatory remarks to patients.” from the report

Inspectors found poor food storage, dirty areas, unsuitable clothing and jewellery worn by some staff, and unsafe management of mouse traps in patient areas.

“We found that butter on all wards had been left out of the fridge and stored in cupboards.” from the report

Mandatory training was below the provider's target in several important areas. Managers were not effectively monitoring incidents, records, food, repairs or the quality of care.

“The provider did not have fully effective governance structures and processes to provide oversight and assurance of all aspects of service delivery” from the report