We did not speak to any patients during this inspection. However, we viewed results of patient surveys carried out by the service over the last three months. We saw that patients expressed a very high level of satisfaction. Some additional comments were:

'All the staff were very nice and helpful.'

'I cannot praise the department too highly. At every stage the staff were friendly and professional.'

'I was very impressed with all aspects of the service.'

'It must be a challenge for staff to maintain such high levels of excellence. Every credit for doing so.'

During this inspection we assessed standards relating to the care and welfare of patients and infection control. We also looked at staff recruitment, quality monitoring and how complaints were managed. We judged the service to be compliant in all the areas we assessed.

We found that this was a very well managed service providing good outcomes for people in all the areas we inspected.

We did not speak to any patients during our visit. However, we viewed a high number of survey results and comments made by patients who had used the service very recently.

We looked at the results of patient surveys and patients’ comments from August 2012. 117 patients had taken part in the survey during that month and we saw that their responses and feedback were very positive.

Comments included;

‘Excellent facility and care.’

‘All staff very friendly and informative.’

‘Thank you to a most kind and caring staff.’

‘Everyone so kind and helpful.’

‘Very pleasant and comforting.’

‘The facility and staff could not be faulted.’

‘Staff considerate and professional.’

‘You have made me feel very safe and comfortable and I am very grateful for the care you have taken. Care and compassion are clearly at the core of your work. ‘

In discussion, the registered manager demonstrated a sound value base and a commitment to providing care and treatment that met people’s individual needs. The manager spoke of the importance of providing emotional support to patients as well as safe and effective care, and had a clear commitment to ensuring that people experienced care in a way that promoted their dignity.