Enter and View: Mental health inpatient wards in Somerset

This report summarises the visits that formed part of a wider project running from November 2015 to July 2016. Our Enter and View Representatives visited each of the nine wards in Somerset that provide treatment for people with acute mental health issues.

Recommendations

1. The issue of availability of appropriate supported housing is highlighted as affecting timely and successful discharge to patients. We ask the JSNA to share this research with commissioners of supported housing consult on the issue with commissioners and the Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. We will ensure the Health & Wellbeing board are aware of the issues related to supported housing and successful discharge.
2. Regarding the difficulties recruiting qualified staff and the lack of a university in Somerset and provision to study nursing & mental health nursing in the county; We ask the JSNA to comment on how they will use the information identified in the report and any next steps in addressing or further researching the issue.
3. It is our view that current young person’s education provision in Wessex ward is inadequate and it is recommended that a review of the education service level agreement with the local authority is needed.

This report was produced by the previous Healthwatch Somerset service provider, The Care Forum.