The inspection was undertaken with the Mental Health Act Commissioner. The commissioners carry out visits to monitor the use of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) to provide a safeguard for individual patients whose rights are restricted under the Act. We spent the day on Copeland Ward, which provided intensive rehabilitation for patients who are informally admitted and for those detained under the MHA. On the day of the inspection all 14 patients were detained under the MHA.

We found suitable arrangements in place to ensure that patients were able to give feedback about the care and services they received.

When we spoke with patients we were told: "The staff are ok, they do try to help most times" and "I know my rights and up to now I have no complaints, obviously I would like more leave but I understand the reason why I can't".

The environment was modern and bright. Art work completed by patients across the trust was displayed along corridor areas and communal rooms.

We found care plans demonstrated appropriate assessment of care and treatment needs. General health was well managed with regular reviews by the physical health team. We found patients had appropriate access to dentists, opticians and podiatrists.

The ward manager maintained a training matrix which was monitored to ensure staff attended training as required.

Systems were in place to monitor the quality and effectiveness of the service provided for patients.

We reviewed the results from the national survey: What service users said about care in hospital 2009. The trusts scores for this outcome were all within the expected range.

We visited the hospital and spoke to people who use services about the care they received. One person said 'If it wasn't for the staff here, I would be dead. They are fantastic.' Other people said, ‘I get looked after very well.' 'It’s not bad actually.' 'No problems with the staff at all.'

We asked people about their care plans. People were able to tell us what care they were receiving. One person said that he would like a copy of his care plan. The staff said they would give him a copy that day.

On Keats Ward, people who use services told us about the groups that are available and which they attend for support. We were told that staff discuss at 1:1 sessions which groups are available and may be helpful.