Inpatient mental health care at two county hospitals has been rated as outstanding overall following an inspection in July.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspected acute wards for working age adults and psychiatric intensive care units at St Mary’s Hospital in Kettering and Berrywood Hospital in Northampton.
The Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was also rated outstanding for how effective and well-led it was and good for safety, care and responsiveness.
“We found a strong leadership who created an exceptional culture of learning, openness, and continuous improvement, which led to better results,” said Gemma Berry, CQC deputy director of Mental Health in the Midlands.
The CQC said staff recognised the “close relationship between physical and mental health” and worked to identify health risks early to prevent deterioration.
Inspectors found the service demonstrated innovation – and staff understood their responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 1983, the Mental Health Act Code of Practice and the Mental Capacity Act.
Inspectors also found staff developed environments and approaches that promoted inclusion and reduced distress for neurodivergent patients, through access to sensory rooms and equipment.