Essex mental health wards for adolescents receive upgraded rating
Care Quality Commission praises improvements at St Aubyn Centre and Poplar Unit
Child and adolescent mental health wards operated by Essex Partnership University NHS Trust (EPUT) have received an improved rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
After inspections in March at the St Aubyn Centre in Colchester and the Poplar Unit in Rochford, the CQC increased the rating from "requires improvement" to "good".
Enhancements highlighted by the CQC include staff collaboration with families and carers, effective medicine management, and maintaining privacy and dignity for young people.
Ann Sheridan, EPUT's Executive Nurse, said, "We are delighted that the CQC has recognised the improvements made within our CAMHS services - this is testament to the relentless passion and dedication of our teams over the last few years and the support of our patients, their families and loved ones as we have continuously focused on improving the care we provide.
“Our journey doesn’t stop there however – we know there is more to do and look forward to building on the progress made to provide the best care for young people in need.”
The CQC’s attention was drawn to improvements in safety, responsiveness, and leadership, which were all upgraded to "good". The effectiveness and caring standards were also re-rated as "good".
EPUT operates three CAMHS wards: Larkwood and Longview at the St Aubyn Centre and the Poplar Unit at Rochford Hospital, providing care for adolescents aged 13 to 18 with mental health needs.
Investments made by EPUT in these wards have focused on creating safer and more therapeutic environments, increasing staffing levels, and establishing new roles within a diverse team of healthcare providers dedicated to personalised and therapeutic care.
A Therapeutic Education Department at the St Aubyn Centre, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, supports young people in continuing their education while receiving care.
The full inspection report is available on the CQC website.