Patients were generally pleased with the quality of care. They felt positively about the staff. Comments included, “The staff are dedicated and go beyond the call of duty” and, “I do not know what I would do without this hospital, they let me go at my own pace to recovering and I am feeling much better now”. There were systems in place to safeguard patients against the risks of abuse. Staff had been trained in de-escalation and physical restraint.

The premises were well maintained, light and airy. There was access to fresh air. A patient commented, “I can smoke out in the garden and it is pleasant to sit out on these fine days”.

There was sufficient staff to appropriately cover the ward when taking into account working hours, leave, training and sickness and handover time.

There were effective systems in place to monitor the quality of the service. We saw examples of where complaints or comments, by people or their families, were acted upon. Serious incidents were recorded and acted upon.

Records contained the proper information about people using the service, staff and management of the hospital to protect people against the risks of unsafe care.

People told us they were satisfied with the food provided.

We spoke with six people on two separate wards at the Trevor Gibbens Unit. Our observations and discussions showed that people are treated with respect and are involved as far as possible in decisions made about their care and treatment. They told us that they receive all of the information that they need when they first arrive on the ward and that they receive good quality care.

We were told that staff are helpful, respectful and knowledgeable, and they provide individual support when people need it. They also said that staff are quick to respond to incidents.

People told us that they feel there is a shortage of staff on both wards, which means that they cannot take escorted leave as much as they would like. This is frustrating for them.

We were also told that the food is of poor quality. People said that the portions are too small, the food is bland and there are limited choices. They have therefore arranged a patients’ fund to organise a meal of their own choice once a week.

People said that they thought that the ward environment was good and kept clean and hygienic. We were told that there is a good range of space for people to have a quiet time or engage in activities.