A MERIDEN mental health rehabilitation recovery service has been given top marks in its latest inspection.
Priory Hospital Solihull has been rated Outstanding following a visit from the Care Quality Comission (CQC) in January and February.
The hospital, run by Partnerships in Care Limited (now part of Priory), supports up to 31 adult males with complex mental health needs in partnership with the NHS, providing both high dependency and community rehabilitation and recovery services.
The hospital has three wards: Millison ward, which can accommodate up to 11 people and offers level one mental health rehabilitation, and Arley and Elkin wards, which can both accommodate up to 10 people each and offer level two mental health services.
Inspectors noted that leaders were visible and approachable, creating a positive culture where staff felt comfortable sharing their ideas or concerns and they ensured there was enough staff in place and provided all the necessary training.
They also said staff supported people to develop their skills and confidence with one person, who had developed an interest in yoga, were supported to deliver yoga sessions for both staff and other people receiving support.
Meanwhile others worked with the occupational therapy team to open an on-site coffee shop, while the hospital also organised community-orientated activities, including summer barbecues, outdoor cinema evenings, Christmas parties and trips to the zoo.
Patients described feeling “heard and safe”, saying they felt comfortable raising concerns and were fully involved in decisions about their care and treatment. They also spoke proudly about their involvement in improving the environment and wider service.
Stuart Dunn, CQC deputy director of mental health in the central region, said: “At Priory Hospital Solihull, we found a service putting people at the heart of their care and support. People could play an active role in their care and access many opportunities, which was having an incredible impact on their wellbeing and care and treatment outcomes.
“It was encouraging to see how staff assessed people’s needs and involved them in decision making about their care, ensuring their treatment was as effective as possible. They tailored care to support people’s unique needs and aid their recovery.
“We know the positive impact that meaningful activities and opportunities can have on people’s mental health and wellbeing. It was fantastic to hear about the service’s wide range of activities and groups for people to participate in, including cooking, budgeting sessions and community activities.”
Aimee McCooey, hospital director at Priory Hospital Solihull, said: “I am incredibly proud of our team for achieving an overall Outstanding rating and for the way they approached the inspection, which truly reflected our day to day work. There was a real sense of pride across the service, with colleagues fully engaged and committed to showcasing the care we provide.
“What stands out most is our culture. We are a values-driven service and that positive culture runs through everything we do, supporting people to live their best lives and achieve meaningful progress in their recovery. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and compassion of our team.”
