1-2 May 2019
During a routine inspection
We rated The Cardinal Clinic as good because:
- A strong ethos of person-centred care was visible throughout the clinic and patients were actively involved in their care. We observed staff treating patients with kindness, dignity and respect at all times during the inspection. Staff at all levels went above and beyond to ensure that they met the needs of patients and feedback we received from patients, relatives and stakeholders was unanimously positive.
- Staff involved patients and their relatives as active partners in their care. Patients and relatives felt involved in their care and treatment and staff provided ample opportunities for them to offer feedback.
- Staff ensured that patients remained in contact with people who mattered to them. Friends and family were encouraged to visit patients and invited to join them for meals on weekends. Staff offered support to relatives via a weekly support group or on an individual basis. A relative told us they found this support invaluable.
- The clinic was well staffed with a multidisciplinary team who worked together to best meet the needs of patients. Staff were well supported by managers who ensured that appraisals, supervision and reflective practice were in place.
- Managers provided a strong and visible presence within the service. Staff and patients had faith in the leadership at the clinic. They told us managers were always approachable and willing to listen to any comments or suggestions they had. Morale within the staff team was high.
- The clinic environment was tranquil and relaxing. The buildings and grounds were well maintained and clean throughout. All of the patients we spoke with praised the environment and felt it had helped to aid their recovery.
- Patients had access to psychological therapies in both a group and one to one setting. There was also a varied programme of activities available seven days a week. Patients told us their time was always occupied.
- Staff knew how to report incidents and had a good understanding of lessons that had been learned following incidents. Managers were open and honest with patients when any incidents occurred. A no blame culture was observed, with staff keen to learn from incidents to prevent them from happening again.
- Staff worked hard to develop relationships with other organisations locally, for example a general practitioner and mutual aid organisations. Staff ran events to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing in the local community. They also delivered monthly continuing professional development sessions for other local professionals.
- Robust governance structures were in place with clear lines of accountability. An audit programme was in place and we saw evidence that audit results were reviewed by the relevant governance committees. There were clear processes in place for any actions identified from audits to be passed on to staff and mechanisms in place to monitor these.