Trust makes changes after report

11:17am Wednesday 23rd July 2008

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A HEALTH trust has taken action to improve aspects of its care of mentally ill patients following a review.

Dorset Primary Care Trust (PCT) was rated as fair' in a review of care for sufferers of acute mental illness.

Dorset Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was rated excellent' in the same review - the only trust in the South West to get this score.

The Healthcare Commission marked trusts as either excellent, good, fair or weak for four different areas of care. Trusts were then given an overall rating.

Dorset PCT was given a weak rating for service user and carer involvement. Safety was marked as good. Brian Goodrum, associate director of PCT mental health services, said: "We have acted quickly to improve in the areas where we received the lower scores.

"For example, we have taken steps to improve support for carers by appointing a carers' lead in each of our units.

"We will continue to work hard so that both in-patient and community mental health services receive an excellent rating."

Mr Goodrum added that staff were being given more training in talking and listening to patients.

Roger Browning, chief executive of the other trust, said: "We are thrilled with the results of the review, which we believe are a fantastic reflection on our dedicated staff. They work in a rewarding but something challenging environment."

The Healthcare Commission conducted the review after concerns about the quality of in-patient mental health services across the country.

Anna Walker, chief executive of the commission, said: "Our report shows there are issues of significant concern and this is particularly true for some organisations.

"There are cases where people are not always getting the personalised, safe, high quality care that they need.

"This is happening at a time of crisis in their lives and it cannot be ignored."