Source: CQC

The Care Quality Commission has found continuing failings in the way care settings apply the Mental Health Act Code of Practice.

In its latest report, the regulator for England found that in well over a third of care plans (37%) reviewed, patient involvement was absent or needed to improve. In around one in ten (11%) of care plans there was no evidence of patient involvement at all.

In addition:

  • 19% of care plans showed insufficient or no evidence that a person’s diverse needs were considered
     
  • 17% showed insufficient or no evidence that the service had considered the minimum restriction on a patient’s liberty
     

The Mental Health Act also requires the appropriate involvement of carers but in 2018/19, the CQC found:

  • 12% (369) showed no evidence that carers have been involved appropriately
     
  • 20% (633) showed some evidence but required improvement
     
  • 68% (2,175) showed good evidence of carer involvement
     

The CQC says:

  • Services must apply human rights principles and frameworks. Their impact on people should be continuously reviewed to make sure people are protected and respected
     
  • People must be supported to give their views and offer their expertise when decisions are being made about their care
     
  • People who are in long-term segregation can experience more restrictions than necessary. They also may experience delays in receiving independent reviews. This is particularly true for people with a learning disability and autistic people
     

Resources which may also support you to meet CQC requirements and embed the Hertfordshire ConnectedLives Strategy can be found here hcpa.info/connectedlives