CQC publishes report on child and adolescent mental health wards at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

CQC carried out an unannounced focused inspection of Junction 17 and the Gardener Unit, to ensure standards were being met since the previous inspection in 2018.

Following this inspection, the overall rating for the CAMHS service remains unchanged and is good. Effective, responsive and well-led also remain good. The rating for how safe the service is, improved from requires improvement to good. Caring improved from good to outstanding.

The overall rating for Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust remains as good.

Brian Cranna, CQC’s head of hospital inspection (mental health and community health services), said:

“During our inspection of the CAMHS units at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust we found staff had worked hard to ensure that previous issues identified, had improved and were now thoroughly embedded, and previous good standards were maintained.  

“All of the wards were safe, clean, well-equipped and fit for purpose with risks to patients well-managed. The wards had enough staff and therapists with the right training to keep people safe by de-escalating and managing distressed behaviour, using minimally restrictive practices.

“Feedback from children and young people about staff was positive. They told us that the staff had changed their lives and the level of support they received had gone above and beyond what was expected. It was lovely to hear that staff genuinely cared about their wellbeing and took extra time to get to know them individually.

“Overall, this is a very positive report. Managers and staff have worked hard to address the concerns we had during our previous inspection and ensure that improvements are made.”

CQC inspectors found:

• Staff knew about areas in the building which people could use to attempt to harm themselves (potential ligature points) and managed risks to keep children and young people safe. Ligature audits for both wards were complete and available on the ward for staff to access when needed.
• Staff assessed and managed risks to children, young people and themselves well and followed best practice in using approved techniques and to manage challenging behaviour.
• Staff developed individual care plans which were reviewed regularly and updated as needed. Care plans were personalised, covering people’s mental and physical health, and focused on supporting people to recover.
• Both wards had enough nursing and medical staff, who knew the children and young people. Staff received basic training to keep people safe from avoidable harm.
• Staff supported children and young people to make decisions on their care for themselves.
• Staff understood the individual needs of children and young people and supported them to understand and manage their care, treatment or condition.
• Children and young people were treated with respect and dignity.

The report will be available on the website on 21 April 2022.

Press release courtesy of Care Quality Commission