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Areas of good practice

Activities

In over two thirds of wards there was evidence that activities were being arranged with over half (57%) of the people we spoke to saying that they participated in planned activities.We welcome the fact that a third of patients we spoke to told us they engaged in a fuller range of educational or work based activities. There is clearly still room for further improvement in those wards that have limited activities available.

Room searches

We understand there is a need, at times, for searches to be undertaken. We welcome the policy in two wards that searches are only undertaken in response to an incident that suggests it is required. This is consistent with the principles of the 2003 Act and is an approach that could be adopted in other facilities.

Management of funds

In almost two thirds of the wards we visited, staff advised us that they were providing care and treatment for at least one person who could not manage their own financial affairs.There was evidence of good practice in supporting this process through formal, regular multi-disciplinary financial planning.

Involvement in care and treatment

Many people are now given information about their care and treatment, are able to attend review meetings and feel involved in decisions about their care. We believe that this could be a universal approach.

Advocacy services are widely available with almost all of people we spoke to reporting that they had been offered advocacy support.

Access to drinking water

Of the patients we interviewed, only two reported that they had no free access to drinking water. We expect all individuals to have access to drinking water, especially because medication can affect thirst.