21.11.2014
The CQC is hoping that doing this will assist it in deciding which areas need to be targeted with an inspection, while it will also allow patients to know more about the official quality of care they are receiving.
Each Trust has been placed into one of four bands, with band one indicating the highest risk of poor care and the lowest-risk Trusts being put in band four.
Initially, the CQC has ranked 12 per cent of Trusts in band one, raising concerns regarding issues such as the dignity of care, patient complaints and cleanliness standards.
Overall, 39 Trusts were rated by the CQC, meaning five fall into the first band, 16 in the second, just three in the third and 16 achieved top marks, with no cause for concern regarding the adequacy of the mental health care they provide to patients.
There are 57 such Trusts in the UK in total, but those not included in this round of rankings have already been inspected under a different, tougher regime, the CQC says.
However, the commission believes the majority of mental health care services in the country are low-risk in terms of care standards, providing a reassurance to patients.
Care minister Norman Lamb commented: "People with mental illness deserve the best possible care.
"These initial figures give a useful indication of varying standards around the country. By highlighting both good and bad, we can drive up standards everywhere."
Chief executive of mental health charity Mind Paul Farmer added that one in four people will suffer from some form of mental issue over the next year, meaning the public has "the right to expect safe, speedy access to the services we need, when we need them".
Earlier this week, similar rankings were published by the CQC with regard to standards at GP practices.
Mental Health Care Trusts Ranked By CQC
Nearly every NHS mental health care Trust in the UK has now been ranked by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in order of how likely they are to provide care that is of a poor standard.The CQC is hoping that doing this will assist it in deciding which areas need to be targeted with an inspection, while it will also allow patients to know more about the official quality of care they are receiving.
Each Trust has been placed into one of four bands, with band one indicating the highest risk of poor care and the lowest-risk Trusts being put in band four.
Initially, the CQC has ranked 12 per cent of Trusts in band one, raising concerns regarding issues such as the dignity of care, patient complaints and cleanliness standards.
Overall, 39 Trusts were rated by the CQC, meaning five fall into the first band, 16 in the second, just three in the third and 16 achieved top marks, with no cause for concern regarding the adequacy of the mental health care they provide to patients.
There are 57 such Trusts in the UK in total, but those not included in this round of rankings have already been inspected under a different, tougher regime, the CQC says.
However, the commission believes the majority of mental health care services in the country are low-risk in terms of care standards, providing a reassurance to patients.
Care minister Norman Lamb commented: "People with mental illness deserve the best possible care.
"These initial figures give a useful indication of varying standards around the country. By highlighting both good and bad, we can drive up standards everywhere."
Chief executive of mental health charity Mind Paul Farmer added that one in four people will suffer from some form of mental issue over the next year, meaning the public has "the right to expect safe, speedy access to the services we need, when we need them".
Earlier this week, similar rankings were published by the CQC with regard to standards at GP practices.
Expert Opinion
These new rankings are a positive step and will hopefully lead to the improvement of mental health services in those Trusts ranked in band one. It is vital the care provided to mental health patients is of the highest standard and that those being cared for by Trusts where concerns have been raised are reassured action is being taken to resolve failings. <br/> <br/>“We have seen all too often the impact poor mental health services can have on patients, particularly where delays mean patients are unable to access the care they need in a timely fashion. We hope the CQC review will encourage all Trusts to consider what areas of mental health care they can improve.” Mandy Luckman - Partner
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