Patients are admitted to Ravenswood via Malcolm Faulk ward which is an assessment and treatment ward. Patients were assessed and remained on Malcolm Faulk until such time as it was felt that they could move to another ward at Ravenswood, for example Lyndhurst ward.

During this inspection we visited Malcolm Faulk ward and Lyndhurst ward.

We spoke with eight staff in addition to senior managers such as the clinical manager and psychiatrist as well as six patients. Staff on Malcolm Faulk ward showed us the changes in the intensive care area since our last inspection. They explained how the new care area worked and the improvements that benefitted the patients who needed extra care and support.

Patients we spoke with gave contradictory comments. For example one was happy with the service and was involved in their care and treatment choices, they felt ‘listened to’. Another patient however did not feel heard and did not think their equality and diversity needs were respected.

Staff told us about the training they have received and the support they had from senior staff.

We observed staff being respectful, observing patient’s behaviours so they were aware of when they may need to intervene and offer support. This was balanced with offering choices and asking patients if they needed support and assisting when asked.

We carried out an inspection in October and November 2012 when we identified concerns with record keeping, in particular care plans and medicine records. At this inspection we saw that the provider had made the relevant improvements to ensure that they were compliant with this outcome.

The inspection was a joint visit between a compliance inspector and a mental health act commissioner. The purpose of our visit was to follow up on concerns that we had received about the service. On this occasion we spent our time on one of the wards, Malcolm Faulk and looked at records relating to the treatment of patients and arrangements for their care. We visited the ward a second day to speak with staff. During our visits we spoke with 19 staff and observed interaction on the ward between staff and patients.

Patients are admitted to Ravenswood via Malcolm Faulk ward which is an assessment and treatment ward. Patients were assessed and remained on Malcolm Faulk until such time as it was felt that they could move to another ward at Ravenswood.

We observed a number of episodes where challenging behaviour was quietly dealt with and potentially difficult situations had been managed and prevented from escalating. All patients, who spoke with us, commented positively about the staff, for example saying that: “this is a good hospital”; “the staff go out of their way to help you”; and “they are discrete”.

Staff told us that there had been many changes over the last six months for example in the management of Ravenswood. They said that staff training and supervision had been taking place. They said they felt that although it was ‘early days’ that the service was moving forward and they felt they could speak with senior staff about any concerns, with the ‘door always being open’, to them.

Patients are admitted to Ravenswood via Malcolm Faulk ward which is an assessment and treatment ward. Patients were assessed and remained on Malcolm Faulk until such time as it was felt that they could move to another ward at Ravenswood.

We spoke with eight staff and four patients and observed interaction between staff and patients. We saw that there was good rapport between staff and patients and that staff ensured the safety of everyone on the ward whilst meeting individual needs. Patients told us that they felt involved in their care and life on the ward. They told us about the daily ward meeting and that they could bring up issues and requests.

Staff told us that there had been many changes following our visit in February 2012 for example in the care plans and record keeping. They said that staff training and supervision had continued and that they had been involved in discussion about the changes that have taken place. “We have a voice and are able to speak out professionally and give our opinions, challenge and ask questions”.

A second visit was carried out as part of this inspection on 7 November 2012 by a Mental Health Act Commissioner. They looked at the Intensive Care Area including the seclusion room, admission to the ward, control and security and consent.