Mental health services in the West have made notable progress, according to a surprise inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
In June 2024, CQC inspectors conducted an unannounced visit to assess inpatient care and community-based mental health services provided by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP). The services, which serve approximately 1.8 million people across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire, were rated as “good.”
This rating marks a significant improvement, especially following concerns raised during a previous inspection, which found that patients were not receiving safe care and treatment. The CQC expressed satisfaction with AWP’s progress, particularly after it was issued a warning in 2024 for its reliance on agency staff, which had negatively affected patient care.
The latest report highlighted that AWP had “clearly listened to feedback” and acted upon it. Neil Cox, CQC deputy director of operations for the South, commented, “Staff across both services spoke positively about the learning and improvement culture that had developed since our last inspection.”
While the report praised AWP for its progress, it also pointed out areas needing further improvement. The adult wards and psychiatric intensive care units (PICU) were found to lack toilet facilities in rooms used for patient seclusion and had no air conditioning in windowless rooms. Additionally, community-based services were criticized for unclear safeguarding policies and procedures, and staff reported feeling unable to challenge decisions made by senior leaders.
Despite these concerns, the overall rating for AWP remains “requires improvement,” and the CQC emphasized that it would continue to monitor the trust’s progress.
In conclusion, the report shows a clear positive shift in the quality of care at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, with continued efforts needed to address remaining issues.
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