Publish date: 11 November 2022
Ashworth Hospital inspection continues and all wards have now been visited. The inspectors have met with many of our staff, patients and members of the wider multi-disciplinary team.
Themes
Similar to the national position, our staffing challenges continue to be a theme. Staff have remained open and honest about the pressures and impact of staff shortages. This includes how our clinical and professional services (for example, AHPs, social workers etc.) have continued to support ward staff to maintain the delivery of ward based activities.
Inspectors have explored the internal hospital environment and patient access to the grounds. They noted the difference between refurbished areas and those yet to be upgraded and will follow up on planned environmental improvement programmes.
Lines of enquiry continued around learning disability awareness and how our teams are trained to recognise learning disabilities (LD) and Autism. It’s worth noting that our Secure Care Division host colleagues who offer LD clinical leadership and our recently formulated specialist LD leadership team is available to discuss concerns relating to LD and/or Autism. Alex Cookson, Consultant Clinical Psychologist is leading on the development of our LD/Autism strategy and can be contacted for information, advice or support.
Prof Joe Rafferty recently met Paula McGowan OBE, (Oliver McGowan’s mum) to agree that Mersey Care would systematically undertake the LD and Autism training as set out in the Right to Be Heard report which was published following Oliver’s death*.
Prof Rafferty has also met with Health Education England and Raj Jain, Chair of Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board, to agree and discuss how to make sure this training is implemented across the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System.
Inspectors have fed back lots of positive comments about staff engagement, honesty and openness and the good use of technology and innovation. Patient and staff feedback was balanced and included discussions around closed cultures with both staff and patients sharing they feel able and know how to raise concerns.
It’s anticipated that the inspection will finish this morning, although the window to inspect remains open and CQC may return out of hours. There have been no announced visits to any areas as yet, therefore all clinical services should remain ‘inspection ready.’
Thank you
Once again, thank you to all the staff who have been involved and supported the inspection and have proudly shared how you support patients and team members. The data requests from CQC remain high with tight deadlines and your continued support with gathering the information is hugely appreciated.
If inspectors arrive at your service, please remember to immediately contact: CQCTeam
Our extranet contains lots of practical information and the staff handbook with handy tips to help with preparation for a CQC inspection: https://yourspace.merseycare.nhs.uk/CQC-visits.