A MENTAL health hospital in Winsford has been told it needs to improve the effectiveness and safety of its care by the Care and Quality Commission.

Weaver Lodge did receive a ‘good’ rating for responsiveness and quality of the care as well as leadership but safety and effectiveness received the ‘requires improvement’ rating.

Weaver Lodge provides mental health inpatient rehabilitation in a 20 bedded treatment and recovery centre for people aged 18 to 65 years.

They admit both informal and formal patients who have been detained by law under the Mental Health Act.

The inspector said: “The ward complied with guidance on eliminating mixed-sex accommodation. All bedrooms were en-suite and there were separate sleeping quarters for men and women.

“There was a dedicated women’s lounge. However, this lounge was used occasionally by all patients.

“Staff told us that the use of the lounge had been discussed with patients, and that the women at the service were currently happy with the situation.”

The inspector was impressed with how caring the service is at Weaver Lodge and praised the staff for their attitudes towards patients.

The inspector said: “Staff attitudes and behaviours when interacting with patients showed that they were discreet, respectful and responsive, providing patients with help, emotional support and advice at the time they needed it.

“Staff supported patients to understand and manage their care, treatment and condition.”

The hospital has already submitted an action plan to CQC to address the issues mentioned in the report.

A spokesperson for the care provider, Alternate Futures Group, said: "We are disappointed with the new rating and don’t feel that it reflects the actual quality of the service we provide which has consistently been rated as Good in previous inspections.

"The full report highlights numerous examples of good practice and the feedback from service users and their carers about Weaver Lodge was all positive.

"We have already provided the CQC with our comprehensive action plan which addresses the issues raised.”