RCN comments on CQC survey of patients in acute mental health services

Published: 24 September 2009

EMBARGO: 00.01 hours on Thursday 24th September 2009

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on the results of a Care Quality Commission survey which shows that nine out of ten mental health inpatients feel that nurses treat them with respect and dignity. The RCN also echoed serious concerns raised by the report about sleeping arrangements and access to talking therapies.

Dr Peter Carter, head of the Royal College of Nursing, said:

"Nurses working in mental health are often under a great deal of pressure and should be applauded for offering high standards of care. Today's report shows that patients feel that nurses are listening to them and treating them with respect, and we know that high quality care will help patients at a difficult time.

"However the survey raises some important issues about acute services. For example, some patients are still, albeit occasionally, having to share sleeping areas with patients of the opposite sex. This cannot be allowed to continue if patients are to receive dignified care. It is also important that staff work together to make patients feel safer, and to ensure that there is enough access to the talking therapies they need.

"Acute mental health services deal with people who can be very vulnerable, and it is crucial that the services are fully staffed and well resourced. By ensuring that patients are safe and feel safe, mental health staff can improve the patient experience and assist in their recovery."

Ends

Notes for Editors

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.