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NHS mental health service improves CQC rating to good following previous regulation breaches
Overview
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has upgraded Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust's (AWP) specialist children and adult mental health service (CAMHS) to "good" after finding it is no longer in breach of regulations. The service had previously faced criticism in 2021 regarding risk assessments, waiting lists, staffing levels, and environmental concerns. While the specific CAMHS service is now rated as good and praised for low hospital admission rates and 24-hour crisis support, the trust's overall rating still remains as requires improvement.
Key points
- Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust's specialist mental health service was upgraded to "good" by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
- In 2021, the service had breached regulations concerning risk assessments, waiting lists, safe staffing levels, and environment.
- The CQC inspection in June confirmed the service is no longer in breach and noted improvements in being safe and responsive.
- Inspectors highlighted that staff kept hospital admission rates low and provided 24-hour crisis support for young people on waiting lists.
- Areas for improvement remain, as inspectors found that young people were not always involved in planning their care or given copies of their care plans.
- The trust's overall rating remains as requires improvement despite the upgrade to the CAMHS provision.