Holybourne Hospital, our acute adult mental health service in London, is delighted to share that it has been upgraded to an overall ‘Good’ following its latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection.

The inspection report found the service ‘Good’ across all five inspected areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led.

Holybourne Hospital provides high-quality intensive treatment in a clinically safe, caring, and secure environment for up to 41 patients (of all genders) across four specialist wards.

Below are some of the highlights taken from the report:

Safe

The inspection found that Holybourne Hospital staff, from different disciplines, worked together as a team to benefit our patients. The ward teams also maintained effective working relationships with other relevant teams within Active Care Group and with other external services.

Staff gave the inspectors examples of how they protect patients from harassment and discrimination, including those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

The report highlighted that staff were actively involved in patient care. For example, patients are given access to their care plans and risk assessments and are encouraged to take part in ward rounds, where their views are documented.

Relatives and caregivers were also supported in joining ward rounds (either remotely or in person) with the patient’s permission. The patients and family members interviewed stated that they felt involved in planning their treatment.

Effective

Staff helped patients live healthier lives by supporting them to participate in programmes or providing advice. For example, if staff were encouraged to utilise their leave, patients would go on walks.

Staff directed patients to other services and provided support in accessing those services as needed. For example, patients told the inspectors that they were supported to go to the gym if they wanted to.

Patients who spoke to the inspectors stated that they were informed about their rights. Patients are found to have easy access to information about independent mental health advocacy, and patients who lacked capacity were automatically referred to the service. An advocate would attend the wards once a week.

Staff knew who their Mental Health Act administrator was and when to seek their support. Holybourne Hospital has clear, accessible, relevant and up-to-date policies and procedures that reflect all relevant legislation and the Mental Health Act Code of Practice.

Staff explained to each patient their rights under the Mental Health Act in a manner that they could understand, repeating the information as necessary, and recorded it in the patient’s notes each time.

Caring

Patients at Holybourne Hospital spoke positively about the care they received from the inspectors, stating that the staff treated them with kindness and compassion.

Inspectors observed patients regularly approaching staff with questions or concerns. Each time, staff were quick to respond – calmly, kindly, and helpfully. They also saw staff interacting warmly with patients in shared areas, noting that the general atmosphere across the wards felt calm and therapeutic. Staff were described in the report as discreet, respectful, and responsive to individual needs.

The report also highlighted the efforts staff made to meet patients’ spiritual and cultural needs. Some patients were supported to attend local places of worship, while others welcomed visits from a local Imam. Dietary needs were taken seriously, too, with patients confirming they had access to vegetarian and halal meal options.

Responsive

The inspection found that staff at Holybourne Hospital took time to understand and respect each patient’s individual needs. Inspectors noted that staff demonstrated strong awareness of patients’ conditions, personal situations, and the challenges they face outside of the hospital. During ward rounds and daily planning meetings, staff considered patients’ preferences, health risks and needs, ensuring personalised care.

The report highlighted that discharge planning was handled thoroughly, with care managers and coordinators working together to ensure smooth transitions. A multidisciplinary approach was in place, with input from community teams to manage admissions, discharges and overall patient flow.

Inspectors found that patients who stayed at Holybourne Hospital for short periods received tailored support, with occupational therapy and psychology staff helping them develop essential living skills.

The report also praised efforts to keep patients connected to their families and caregivers (particularly when they were not from the local area). Staff provided effective communication with loved ones, and family members said they felt well-informed about their relative’s care and treatment.

Well-led

Staff at Holybourne Hospital spoke positively to inspectors about the hospital’s culture, team morale and the support they receive from colleagues.

The CQC report also noted that staff felt confident in raising concerns, knowing they would be listened to and that action would be taken. There was no fear of repercussions, and staff were clear on how to follow the whistle-blowing process.

This focus was evident in the day-to-day experience of both staff and the people they support.

Congratulations to everyone at Holybourne Hospital on this fantastic accomplishment!

For further information about Holybourne Hospital, please visit their webpage.