Our response to the CQCs report into mental health services in Nottingham

On Wednesday 14th January, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) published their report into the Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The CQC report found there had been breaches of regulation in the way the trust was run and called on the trust to submit an action plan showing what measures it was taking in response.

In response to the report,  Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive, Rethink Mental Illness said:

“The CQC’s report into mental health services in Nottingham is a stark reminder of how far we still have to go to ensure people receive safe, humane and dignified care at the moments they most need support. No one should ever face unacceptable standards of care, especially during a mental health crisis. 

Services are under immense pressure, but that cannot justify the lack of progress made to address long-standing issues, documented in reports and recommendations that continue to gather dust while people are failed. 

The findings relating to the application of the Mental Health Act in these services are particularly alarming. They highlight the urgent need to properly resource the implementation of the reformed Act, and for government to work meaningfully with people with lived experience when developing the new code of practice. 

The continued failure to improve care is not just disappointing, it is unacceptable. People with lived experience and their loved ones deserve better. We expect the Trust to deliver on its commitments, but long term, dedicated resources and stronger oversight are needed to enable progress that will keep people safe.

Change is possible. As we know from well performing services across the country, the right support can transform people’s recovery, strengthen support for carers, and create a safer, more sustainable environment for the staff who are working tirelessly under challenging conditions. People deserve nothing less.”