The Care Quality Commission
  • Mental Health
  • Independent mental health service

Archived: The Eastbourne Clinic

21 Grange Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4HE (01323) 430831

Provided and run by:
Betsy Clara and Southdowns Limited

All Inspections

11 December 2013

During a routine inspection

There were three patients and one visitor who were able to talk to us during the inspection visit. One patient told us, 'The staff are so kind and they really understand me.' Another said 'I can't thank the staff enough, everyone has been brilliant' and a visitor told us, 'They have been supportive to us as a family, very kind and helpful.'

We found that patients were satisfied with the amount of information they had been given about their treatment and said the staff kept them informed and respected their choices. The patient documentation and treatment pathways were comprehensive and well completed.

Staff told us that they worked closely as a team, and that all decisions made about support and treatment were fully discussed with the patient, family and multi-agency team. One staff member said, 'I really enjoy working here.' Another said, 'It's the best reward when we see patients recover and go home.'

We found that patients felt fully involved in their care and treatment. We saw that all aspects of care, both medical and therapeutic were documented and agreed to.

Patients who used the service were protected from the risk of abuse because the provider had taken reasonable steps to identify the possibility of abuse and prevent abuse from happening.

Robust recruitment procedures had ensured that patients were cared for, or supported by, suitably qualified, skilled and experienced staff.

We looked at the complaints policy and procedure and saw that it was clear, written in plain English and easily accessible to both patients and visitors.

28 December 2012

During a routine inspection

We were told by the patients that used the service, 'They are so kind here, they really understand how I am feeling.' Another said 'Wonderful place and the staff are so kind,' and 'The support is tremendous and the staff are just so good.'

Staff told us that they work closely as team, and that all decisions made about support and treatment was fully discussed with the patient, family and multi-agency team. One staff member said 'It's a rewarding job.' Another said 'We have a really good team of staff and take pride in our patients' recovery. We had a reunion in the summer which was brilliant.'

We found that patients felt fully involved in their care and treatment. We saw that all aspects of care, both medical and therapeutic was documented and agreed to.

The clinic was clean, hygienic and comfortable. We saw that the service followed clear policies for infection control procedures.

Patients were cared for by staff who were supported to deliver care and treatment safely and to an appropriate standard.

Mental Health Act Commissioner reports

Each year, we visit all NHS trusts and independent providers who care for people whose rights are restricted under the Mental Health Act to monitor the care they provide and check that patients' rights are met. Immediate concerns raised by patients on those visits are discussed, if appropriate, with hospital staff.

Our Mental Health Act Commissioners may carry out a number of visits to each provider over a 12-month period, during which they talk to detained patients, staff and managers about how services are provided. In the past, we summarised themes from the visits and published an annual statement followed by the provider's response where applicable. We are looking at different ways to indicate the outcomes of our monitoring in the future.