Two Brighton Housing Trust (BHT) services for people with mental health problems have secured the highest possible rating for quality from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The two recovery-based residential properties, BHT’s Archway Project, were awarded an overall rating of outstanding after an unannounced CQC inspection.
The Archway Project provides care and support for 14 people with mental health and complex needs.
The service – based at two properties in Hove – helps to bridge the gap between hospital and the community by promoting mental health recovery and supporting people to increase their independence.
The service is commissioned by Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and works collaboratively with Brighton and Hove City Council, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and citywide health and social care agencies.
The CQC said: “The registered manager and staff team demonstrated passion and commitment to providing the best possible mental health care and promoting opportunities for people so they could live as full a life as possible.
“Staff were exceptionally dedicated and highly skilled which ensured people received a high level of care that promoted both their physical and mental health needs.
“Person-centred care was at the forefront of the delivery of care. Innovative ways of involving people were used so that people felt consulted, empowered, listened to and valued.”
The CQC quoted comments from residents at the properties in Sackville Gardens and Portland Road. They said:
- “Staff are the best. They always know how to communicate with me.”
- “They know the signs to look for when I’m unwell.”
- “I never would have thought I would have a period this long of being well and not hurting myself. That’s because I feel safe here and comfortable.”
- “They always ask us for our opinions and want to engage us.”
- “I know I have a say in what happens here.”
Registered manager Ian Wilson said: “We are very proud to have received such a positive inspection report.
“As a team we work hard to ensure that the service meets the needs of those who live here, working with people to help create the support and environment that fits their personal recovery journeys.
“Our residents are fundamental in helping us shape the service and in helping us to support them to make steps towards independence and reach their full potential.”
BHT Mental Health Services senior manager Sharon Munnings said: “We are very pleased to announce the outcome of the inspection as it evidences the experience, skill and commitment of the team in providing such high-quality care and support to our residents.”
Brighton and Hove City Council (BHCC) & Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT) are negligent and unethical in the management of many mental health outpatients in this city. Patients are dumped in revolting slums – “temporary, emergency, B&B” bedsits run by unscrupulous private landlords that BHCC happily pays millions each year without any contracts. Further, the West Pier Project (which is about to be relocated from Regency square to an unknown premises), houses “dual diagnosis” patients without mandating they are engaged in treatment for their substance use disorders. Unethical and fails to meet prevailing standards and guidelines. These actions are cynical, deliberate and purposeful tactics to AVOID CQC regulation, and all other regulation for that matter. Dumped patients stand no chance of recovery. Healthcare workers are ignored when voicing their concerns. Local communities suffer from ASB, disruption through the concentration of unsupported patients in revolting slums. His story is a good one, but in no way reflects the larger picture. Powers that be in BHCC and SPFT stick their heads in the sand and pretend all is rosy. It is NOT.