Following a complaint we received from a detained patient, a compliance inspector and a commissioner from our Mental Health Act Operations carried out a joint visit to Ward 35 on the Radbourne Unit. The compliance inspector undertook a responsive review to look at how patients who used the service on Ward 35 were respected and involved in relation to the care, treatment and services they received. The commissioner undertook a monitoring visit in accordance with their powers under the Mental Health Act 1983, to review matters raised by the complainant, who had alleged that some of their rights were not being upheld.

Three patients told us about some of the ways they were informed, involved and supported to make choices about their care and treatment and for their daily living arrangements on the ward. Describing their overall experience as positive.

Examples they gave included for their medicines and care plans, access to outdoor space and for their rights to engage with advocacy and professionals concerned with their care and treatment. They also said they were particularly pleased there were identified separate male and female areas on the ward.

We found most patients felt able to express their views and that their privacy, dignity and independence were respected. Although the Commissioner identified some areas where there were possibly delays in promoting the rights of one patient. At the time of our visit the complainant was happier with her care and treatment than she had been at the point when she had contacted CQC.