Inspectors from regulators across the UK have praised mental health services run by Priory in a series of new inspection reports.
Reports for a range of Priory services have been released, including for specialist mental health hospitals, a hospital school for children with complex mental health support needs and adult social care services.
Priory is the UK's largest independent provider of mental health and adult social care services, supporting 26,000 people at 280 hospitals and care homes nationwide.
Praise from regulators includes the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which inspects hospitals and care homes in England; Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS), which inspects hospital services in Scotland; and Ofsted, which inspects education services in England.
In total, 86% of Priory services are now rated good or better by regulators, which is above the national average for equivalent services, including in the NHS.
Priory Hospital Glasgow has been rated 'exceptional' by HIS, highlighting the outstanding care and support provided to patients. The inspection report noted that "patients were positive about their stay and were actively consulted and involved," and that "staff showed care and compassion, as well as a high level of specialist knowledge". The report also commended the hospital for its "clear focus to deliver safe, quality and evidence-based patient care".
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) at Priory Hospital Roehampton have been rated 'good' by the CQC, resulting in the overall hospital rating improving to 'good'. The CQC report, issued on 17 February, highlighted that "the service supported patients to be safe," and that "staff were caring towards patients". The report mentioned that "the wards were kept clean," "there were sufficient staff to support patients within the service," and "staff demonstrated an understanding of patient's needs".
Roehampton Hospital School, inspected by Ofsted, has been rated 'outstanding' across all categories, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. The school provides education for pupils who are inpatients at Priory Hospital Roehampton, while they are supported for eating disorders and other mental health needs.
The Ofsted report praised the school as "a happy, calm and welcoming space," where "pupils, and students in the sixth form, enjoy their time in the school". The report highlighted that "the school’s approach expertly blends excellent provision for pupils’ academic education and well-being," and that "pupils rise to these expectations and achieve exceptionally well during their time at the school". It also noted that "the school provides clear routines and expectations," and that "the respectful culture and the nurturing relationships between staff and pupils help pupils to feel safe".
Priory Hospital Norwich, an inpatient acute mental health unit for up to 34 adults, was rated ‘good’ by the CQC, following an inspection report released in February. Inspectors praised staff and management at the service, with a ‘good’ rating across all five assessment areas. “People and communities were at the centre of how care was planned and delivered at all times,” according to the report.
Inspectors also said: “People were always treated with kindness, empathy and compassion. They felt valued and understood that their experience of care and support was important. Their privacy and dignity were respected, and every effort was made to consider their wishes and respect their choices to achieve the best possible outcomes. This included supporting people to live as independently as possible.”
Priory Oak House care home has been rated 'good' by the CQC. The home is a residential service in Diss, Norfolk, supporting autistic adults with complex needs and people with a learning disability or difficulties with communication. The CQC report highlighted that "people were treated kindly and supported individually to meet their needs". One person said, "I like the staff, they are kind to me" and a relative added, "The registered manager is astounding, I have so much praise for them". The report also noted that "staff were knowledgeable of people’s needs and able to communicate information well with healthcare professionals".
Priory Charles Court care home has also been rated 'good' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The home provides care and support for older adults, including those with dementia. The CQC report noted that "people and relatives told us they were supported by staff to be independent and have choice and control where possible". The report also highlighted that "people had opportunities and access to social events," and that "staff understood the importance for people to maintain relationships with people who were important to them".
Priory's Chief Executive Officer, Rebekah Cresswell, said: "These ratings reflect the hard work and expertise of colleagues across all our services, who provide the highest standards of care and treatment every day, as we strive to support people to live their life to the fullest."
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About Priory and MEDIAN Group
Priory is the UK’s largest independent provider of mental health and adult social care services. Priory treats more than 70 conditions, including depression, anxiety, addictions and eating disorders, as well as children’s mental health, across its nationwide network of sites. Priory also supports autistic adults and adults with a learning disability, Prader-Willi Syndrome and brain injuries, as well as older people, within specialist residential care and supported living facilities – helping as many people as possible to live their lives.
Priory is part of the MEDIAN Group, the leading European provider of high-quality mental health and rehabilitation services. The MEDIAN Group comprises: Priory in the UK with 280 facilities and 5,000 beds caring for 28,000 people, MEDIAN in Germany with 120 facilities and 18,000 beds caring for 256,000 patients, and Hestia in Spain with 14 facilities and 2,000 beds caring for 10,000 people in Spain, with more than 30,000 employees across the group.