News
'Outstanding' CQC rating for Oxleas NHS forensic services
We’re delighted to share that Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust has today (27 April 2023) achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for our forensic services.
The unannounced inspection of our forensic inpatient and secure wards took place on 23 and 24 February 2023 – this core service was previously inspected in 2017 when it was rated as ‘Good’. We provide medium and low secure forensic mental health services for both men and women to meet patients’ mental and physical health needs.
Inspectors spent both days visiting seven forensic wards based both at the Bracton Centre in Dartford and at Memorial Hospital in Woolwich. Amongst the many positive findings, inspectors highlighted that staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, and understood the individual needs of patients, with families and carers actively involved in care decisions. Patients value their relationships with staff and feel they often ‘go the extra mile’ in providing care and support.
Importantly, services were found to have low out-of-area placements, which has a positive impact on recovery - meaning patients remain closer to their families, have leave in areas they are familiar with and are close to the areas they will be discharged to.
Andy Trotter, Chair of Oxleas NHS, said: “I’m so proud of the team in our forensic services at Oxleas, and extremely happy for them, that their hard work and dedication has been recognised by the CQC.”
Ify Okocha, Chief Executive at Oxleas NHS, added: “To receive an ‘Outstanding’ rating for this core service is a result of the hard work and commitment of our staff who go above and beyond in sometimes challenging environments to help some of society’s most vulnerable people. The rating is very welcome and acknowledgement of the quality of care and services provided to our patients every day.”
Lawrence Mack, Director of Forensic and Offender Healthcare Services, said: “This result shows what a great team we have working in our forensic services. I am very proud to be part of such a dedicated group of colleagues who work so hard and care so much about doing the best that they can for our patients every day.”
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