10 June 2011
During an inspection in response to concerns
People with whom we spoke were complimentary about staff generally and told us that staff are respectful. 'They are nice, we get on well.'
On the day of our visit the service for females was due to move into a newly refurbished house imminently. People told us that they had visited the new house and had been able to influence the choice of d'cor and furnishings for their rooms. One person said 'I can't wait, it is lovely.'
One person told us that they 'Never get enough staff time' as 'They are always short staffed.' 'It says talk time on the board but that is only if there are enough staff on.' They also said 'Then people kick off and have to be restrained.' They added that staff 'Don't do enough checks, especially at night. Depends who is on.'
One person told us that they had been out to Cromer the previous day and had visited the hairdresser there. 'It made me feel good.'
Another person told us that the care had improved since they came to the hospital in early 2010. 'It was all over the place at first, but better now.' One person, who was detained under the Mental Health Act expressed concern that they were subject to the same restrictions (such as being denied aerosols and shoe laces) as other people who were detained under different sections. (We later saw evidence that confirmed that this person was due to be discharged very soon.)