Forensic and secure services celebrate prestigious accreditation | News and events

Two mental health wards run by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) have been awarded prestigious national accreditation which recognise the Trust's commitment to providing high-quality care. 

The news comes after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated the Trust's forensic and secure services as 'good' while praising the safe and supportive care which staff provide.

Catton Ward at Northside House in Norwich became the third secure ward in the country to have been accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. It was closely followed by accreditation for Drayton Ward on the same site. The period of accreditation will last until June 2028. 

Caroline Donovan, Chief Executive Officer at NSFT, said: "We are delighted to share news of this accreditation following such a positive CQC report. This is a significant milestone for our service. Being the third secure ward in the country to receive this prestigious recognition is a remarkable achievement."

The CQC report highlighted the wide-ranging good practice which is in place across our forensic and secure services. The report demonstrates the high quality of care that is provided day in and day out by our incredible staff and is a tribute to the fantastic leadership team, who show great dedication to delivering safe, kind and effective services.

The Trust received the CQC 'good' overall rating, together with 'good' ratings in each of the five separate domains, following an inspection in October.

The service was also rated as 'outstanding' in two sub-domains - the way staff listen to and involve people and deliver evidence-based care and treatment - with inspectors saying: "The service is exceptional at maximising the effectiveness of people's care and treatment by assessing their health, care, wellbeing and communication needs with them.

The ratings are an improvement from the service's last inspection in 2018, when it was rated as 'requires improvement' in the 'safe' domain and 'good' in every other area.

NSFT's Chair, Zoë Billingham CBE, said: "I would like to pass on my sincere thanks and congratulations to staff in our forensic and secure services. They can be very proud of the improvements they have made and the care their service users are receiving.

"However, we realise there is still more to do, and are determined to ensure the high standards highlighted in this report are replicated in all of the services we provide across Norfolk and Suffolk."

The accreditation process includes a tour of the service and interviews with senior managers and clinicians, frontline staff and patients.

The report said that patients feel treated with compassion, dignity and respect by staff members, and that staff listen to them and understand their needs. Carers provided positive feedback about interactions with staff and said they feel listened to and supported.

NSFT Modern Matron Vickram Lutchmeah said: "I am incredibly proud of our teams who have worked very hard. Their dedication, collaboration, and commitment to high standards of care have made this possible."