Clatterbridge Hospital Psychiatric Services

The provider had prepared an action plan to make improvements within these areas. At this inspection undertaken in June 2014 we saw that improvements had been made.

We visited Brackendale and Oaktrees wards at this hospital location. We found improvements had been made and patients had access to a choice of suitable meals. We found meals were available to meet dietary intolerances and requirements as well as diverse needs.

Most of the patients we spoke with said food was very good and a choice of meals was available. The Trust told us they were making improvements to access dietetic support for patients identified as at risk.

We found improvements had been made in relation to record keeping processes and the Trust had checks and audits in place to address any issues highlighted.

'I feel well looked after, I would rather not be here but I feel ok'. 'If I need to talk the staff listen'. 'Sometimes it's hard being here but the staff are really good'.

Care and treatment plans and risk assessments were in place with information about patients care and medical needs and risks identified. However ward routines and restrictions placed on patients were not linked to individual risk management plans.

The food looked unappetising and patients told us they did not like many of the meals provided. Also the meals did not always support patients with an eating disorder to work towards achieving a healthy balanced diet and normalising their attitudes to food. Some special diets were not catered for.

Patients told us they felt there were enough staff on duty to meet their needs. Our observations and information held in staff rotas confirmed this.

The provider had systems in place to monitor the safety and quality of the service provided. We spoke with ten patients who told us they were happy with the support they received. They told us they understood how to raise a concern and information regarding Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) was available on both wards.