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Monitor moves in to improve mental health services at North Essex Partnership Trust (24 March 2016)

Date: 24/03/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Monitor moves in to improve mental health services at North Essex Partnership Trust

The government’s health regulator Monitor has announced that the quality of care provided to mental health patients at the North Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is set to improve, after Monitor stepped in to help the trust make changes to the way it is run.

Monitor is the government’s health sector regulator – and its job is to make sure the NHS works better for patients.

North Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust was recently inspected by the independent Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The CQC report found the trust “required improvement” – and has asked for a number of changes to be made to improve the quality of its services and how it is led.

As a result of the inspection report, Monitor launched an investigation which has found the trust had not been able to adequately address the issues in the report on its own.

The trust says it has agreed it will work closely with Monitor to improve the way its run, so it can be more responsive and can deliver the high quality of care that patients expect.

The trust provides inpatient and community services across Essex and surrounding areas. It is already working closely with local health partners to help find ways of improving the quality of its services – and Monitor will work with the trust to ensure these changes are implemented quickly.

Monitor will also support the trust’s leadership to improve how it runs the organisation.

Regional Director at Monitor, Marianne Loynes, said:

“People experiencing mental illness in Essex expect to receive good quality care from their local trust.

“We understand the challenges facing North Essex Partnership – but we want to see it improve the quality of the services it provides to people for years to come.

“The CQC’s report flagged serious concerns around the effectiveness of the trust’s leadership and quality of its services, demonstrating a need for urgent action to implement the right improvements.

“Monitor is stepping in to offer the trust the support it needs to pick up the pace and start making long lasting improvements.

“Monitor will continue working closely with the trust to support it as it makes the necessary improvements,” she added.

The closure of Peter Bruff mental health ward at Clacton was recently met with a storm of protest from patients and the public. Health bosses have been criticised for a “behind closed doors” decision to close the ward without public consultation.

North Essex Partnership Trust’s own governor Councillor Andy Wood – who is a councillor for Clacton North – also slammed the decision, saying it was taken without informing governors.

The trust says that the plan to move the ward to Colchester is part of a £600,000 restructuring plan to improve services.


Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s leading provider of Legal Aid mental health services – and can advise mental health patients on their rights under the Mental Health Act, as well as access to NHS services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on issues such as treatment reviews, where appropriate.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our mental health lawyers are available at short notice for appointments at police stations and hospitals across the country.

For expert legal advice on UK mental health law, call Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

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