Calderdale and Wakefield ECT units accredited for 8th consecutive year
Two specialist mental health treatment units run by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust have been awarded accreditation for the 8th consecutive year.
The Calderdale and Wakefield (Briarfields) ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) units were awarded the accolade by ECTAS (ECT Accreditation Service) following a review by specialist practitioners throughout the UK.
The team provide help to people suffering from severe mental health conditions such as depression who have not responded well to other treatment.
The ECTAS annually reviews services to ensure a high quality of standard across all areas, including clinics, facilities, staff, training, policies and protocols. Standards are altered each year meaning services always face new challenges to achieve accreditation.
It’s run by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and sets out to assure and improve the administration of ECT across the country. As well as providing a quality assured service for people who need to use it, becoming accredited by ECTAS also allows the achievements of staff to be recognised and for services to receive detailed advice and support to improve.
A recent survey of service users found that 94% felt that they had benefited from the treatment. A patient contributing to the ECTAS review stated that: “It was all very professional and well organised.” A relative also commented: “We were treated with respect from going into the clinic to coming out. The staff are very caring.”
Angela Brown, lead practitioner at Calderdale, said “By maintaining accreditation, it demonstrates the high standards across all areas are consistently achieved.
“Our team will continue to focus on maintaining high standards and address any future changes within the ECTAS standards.
“I would like to say a big thank you and well done to all members of the ECT and offer my congratulations to you all.”
Clare Charles, senior clinical practitioner at Briarfields, said: “Receiving the accreditation shows that we continue to be a safe and effective team.
“Patients will know that the service they receive is following the guidelines set by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the care they receive is of a high standard.
“We are always pleased to receive the accreditation when we get it – the criteria changes every year so to continually meet it is great.”
For more information on the Calderdale and Wakefield ECT unit teams, see our service directory.