Patients say they feel ‘really cared for’ at Priory’s Llanarth Court hospital

Patients say they feel ‘really cared for’ at Priory’s Llanarth Court hospital as inspectors praise the safe and effective treatment provided

• Inspectors said staff were providing ‘safe and effective’ care
• They said: ‘All patients provided positive feedback about staff at the hospital and it was clear that good interpersonal relationships had been built’
• Patients said that they felt as though staff ‘really cared’ about them and that they ‘felt listened to’
• Inspectors said patients were treated with dignity and respect
• Inspectors found ‘good’ facilities onsite such as a social club and café, and patients had weekly access to a mental health advocate

Priory’s Llanarth Court Hospital in Monmouthshire, Wales, has been widely praised by inspectors for the care it offers patients.

In its latest report, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) said the hospital, which provides a specialist assessment and treatment service for men and women with a variety of challenging behaviours, was safe and effective and a place where patients said they felt ‘really cared for’.

Staff were treating patients with dignity and respect, they said, with patients ‘receiving good quality care’ and there were suitable protocols in place to manage risk, health and safety and infection control.

HIW completed its unannounced inspection at the hospital on three days in February 2023. During this period, a number of areas were inspected within the hospital, which provides 97 beds for males and females with mental illnesses and/or personality disorders including for males with learning disabilities.

Inspectors said patients were receiving ‘tailored care’ that reflected their individual needs and risks. ‘Good facilities were available onsite such as a social club and café which gave opportunities for patients to engage and relax outside of their immediate environment of care. Patients could engage and provide feedback about their care and had weekly access to a mental health advocate who provided further information and support.

‘The clinical rooms had been reconfigured … to improve the privacy and dignity of patients receiving their medication. Robust procedures were in place for the safe management of medicines on each ward. Patient care plans were being maintained to a good standard, and statutory documentation was in place for patients who were required to be appropriately and legally detained.

‘The medicines management procedures on the hospital’s Treowen Ward were of a particularly high standard and demonstrated excellent initiatives and best practice.’

Ross Morris, Hospital Director, said: “We are very pleased with this report which recognises the hard work of staff and how they work with the patients entrusted to our care. Our compassionate approach ensures good staff well-being and well-led wards where patients come first. Teamwork is central to delivering the best care we can, day in, day out, and I am really proud of the hard work and commitment shown by everyone at the hospital.”

Chief Executive of HIW, Alun Jones said: ‘It is positive to see the quality of patient care being delivered by the dedicated staff at Llanarth Court Hospital. It is reassuring to see improvements have been made since our previous visit to ensure patients are receiving safe and effective care. The Priory Group has produced a plan which sets out improvement actions as a result of this inspection work. HIW will monitor the health boards’ progress against this plan.’

In 2022, Llanarth Court Hospital opened ‘Woodlands’, a service offering two Bespoke Treatment Packages to individuals with the most complex needs.

The service offers a homely environment, where patients can live in the least restrictive way possible, whilst behaviour is managed. It is led by an experienced multi-disciplinary team, who ensure that the service users’ needs are fully understood. Daily routines, the environment, activities and social contacts are adapted in line with what the individual needs at the time and they can enjoy trips to the local area, visits with family, independence and choice. BTPs are for adults who are autistic and people with a learning disability. They are offered to those who present with complex and challenging needs, which might include emotion dysregulation, all of which can make it difficult for these individuals to be supported in a shared environment.