On the day of our visit we were told that there were 12 patients staying at Lee Mill Hospital, of which many of them were accessing a variety of activities in the local community either supported by staff or on their own. We spoke with two patients and 11 staff members, including an occupational therapist, a housekeeper and various members of the management team. We looked at four patients care files in detail, observed care and reviewed information provided to us by the management team.

Before patients received any care or treatment they were asked for their consent and staff acted in accordance with their wishes.

Patients we spoke with who were staying at Lee Mill Hospital said that their care and welfare needs were being well met. Comments included: “It’s alright here. The staff are nice and look after me”; “I feel comfortable here” and “It’s fine here, I am happy. I get out regularly, been to Cornwall and been all over Devon on day trips.”

There were effective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection.

Patients did not express any concerns about Lee Mill Hospital’s recruitment process. Patients we spoke with who were staying at the hospital stated: “The staff are good. They know what they are doing” and “The staff are knowledgeable and competent.”

People were made aware of the complaints system. This was provided in a format that met their needs

On the day of our visit we were told that there were 12 patients staying at Lee Mill Hospital, of which ten patients were present, one person was on leave and another person was on a different unit for a period of time due to a deterioration in their mental health which required support in a specialist setting. We spoke with five patients and nine staff members, including a psychologist and the management team. We looked at three patients care files in detail, observed care and reviewed information provided to us by the management team about how they ensured the quality and safety of the service.

Patients who used the service understood the care and treatment choices available to them. Patients told us how they were helped to understand the care and treatment choices available to them. Comments included: “I have seen my care plan”; “I have my own privacy in my bedroom” and “I am involved in decisions about my care and treatment.”

Patients confirmed that they felt safe and supported by staff at Lee Mill Hospital and had no concerns about the ability of staff to respond to safeguarding concerns.

Patients informed us that staff met their needs in a timely manner. Everyone we spoke with was confident in the ability of staff to provide the care needed.

We saw the hospital’s risk register, which was a tool used for risk management. We saw that where risks were identified there were control measures in place alongside actions to remedy and reduce the risk.