Mental Health ward gains national accreditation

Trinity 2 ward at Fieldhead has been accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

The ward, which cares for adult male acute in-patients, has received an Accreditation for Inpatient Mental Health Services (AIMS), which recognises high standards of organisation and care.

This follows a challenging period for the team after a fire in November. Due to the swift actions of staff, no one was hurt but the building itself had to be closed. This has meant service users being moved to other parts of the Trust and accommodated elsewhere.

Lynsey Shackleton, deputy ward manager, said “To be given the accreditation after everything that happened really is a great achievement”.

Donna Gallagher, ward manager for the Trinity unit, said “We started applying for the accreditation a year ago so it’s been a real team effort to overcome everything we have. We’re so pleased!”

In order to be given an AIMS, teams must meet national requirements from NICE and the Department of Health. Teams must submit evidence of safety and service user care over an extended period of time which also includes visits from both the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the CQC (Care Quality Commission).