Mental health provider responds to findings of CQC report
Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust has outlined the action it is taking to address concerns raised by the national healthcare regulator.
The Care Quality Commission reviewed the leadership in place at the trust during a visit in June 2024, and found that improvements were needed.
Dominic Hardisty, AWP Chief Executive, said: ““While disappointed with the outcome of the well-led inspection, we are pleased to have been rated good in our adult community services and adult wards, which is a tribute to the hard work of our staff.
“This demonstrates a commitment to, and track record of progress, and over the last year we implemented a range of additional improvements in those areas identified by the CQC to further enhance the experience for our patients, staff and stakeholders.”
At the time of the inspection, the CQC raised specific concerns in relation to safeguarding processes and governance, while also saying there were closed cultures in some areas, especially secure services, and that people with lived experience did not always feel involved in strategic decision-making.
Some of the issues, such as safeguarding processes and the development of additional safeguarding training, have already been addressed.
Elsewhere, the trust has worked alongside people with lived experience to embed its Working Together Strategy, which is helping to strengthen the roles that patients, families and carers play in how services are developed.
Sue Harriman, Chief Executive Officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, said: “It is vitally important that all our local health and care providers have a strong leadership structure in place, and one that promotes a culture of openness and inclusion so that all NHS staff can come to work in a safe and supportive environment.
“We have a close working relationship with our colleagues at AWP and are encouraged by the improvements that have already been made since the time of the CQC’s visit, and will continue to support them to continue with this progress over the coming weeks and months.”