Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Ratings - Wards for older people with mental health problems

• Overall

  Good

• Safe

  Good

• Effective

  Good

• Caring

  Good

• Responsive

  Good

• Well-led

  Good

Our view of the service

Date of Assessment: 28 April to 14 May 2025. This was a scheduled assessment.
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust provide wards for older people with mental health problems for people in Derbyshire at Bluebell Ward, Tissington House and Cubley Court. This was the first assessment for all three services for older people with mental health problems provided by Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Bluebell Ward is purpose built 12-bed inpatient unit for older adults with functional mental health needs, such as depression or schizophrenia. The ward is a mixed-sex unit, with all bedrooms offering single occupancy and en-suite bathrooms. This ward was never inspected before.

Tissington House is an 18-bed assessment and treatment ward for individuals over the age of 65 with functional mental health problems, such as depression, schizophrenia, mood disorders, or anxiety. The ward is a mixed-sex unit with gender-specific sleeping areas, and all bedrooms are single rooms with en-suite facilities. This ward was never inspected before.

Cubley Court is a 36-bed assessment and treatment unit for both men and women with acute organic illnesses, such as dementia, who require inpatient care. The unit is divided into male and female wards, each offering single-sex accommodation and a shared lounge area. The service was last rated as Good (published September 2018). The report was published following Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) old inspection approach using key lines of enquiry (KLOEs), prompts and ratings characteristics.

This assessment has been completed following CQC new approach to assessment; Single Assessment Framework (SAF). This was an unannounced assessment, which means the provider was not told an assessment was going to be taking place beforehand. During this assessment we looked at all quality statements across all 5 key questions. As we assessed all quality statements at this visit the current rating reflects the findings from this assessment. We rated this service as good.

People's experience of this service

We spoke to 19 patients and 3 relatives across the wards. Patients expressed positive views about the quality of care and treatment they received. Many said they felt safe, supported, and well cared for by staff, who were consistently described as kind, caring, and responsive. Staff were attentive to patients’ needs and engaged with them in a respectful and compassionate manner, helping individuals feel heard and valued throughout their treatment journey.

Most patients and relatives reported that staff were available promptly to help with concerns and listened carefully, responding appropriately. Relatives told us that staff communicated well with them and kept them regularly updated about their loved ones’ care. They also highlighted that staff treated physical health needs with the same attention and importance as mental health.

Patients, and where appropriate their families, were involved in developing care and risk management plans. This collaborative approach ensured that care was person-centred and tailored to individual needs, preferences, and circumstances.

Therapeutic activities were regularly available and well-received. Patients said these activities not only supported their recovery but also provided structure and meaningful engagement, enhancing their overall well-being.

Patients had opportunities to raise concerns, share feedback, and suggest improvements. Community meetings provided a forum where their views were heard, respected, and acted upon.

Most patients said the food was of good quality, with a wide variety of options available to suit different tastes and dietary needs.