MENTAL health wards across Cumbria have been found to require improvement, as a chief inspector declares sector is 'at a crossroads'.

Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust wards, including Kendal's Kentmere ward, were assessed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

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The deputy chief inspector of hospitals and lead for mental health, Dr Paul Lelliott, said that inspectors found there were a 'number of concerns'.

"We found a number of concerns about both the safety and effectiveness of services, and how well-led they are," he said.

"We found there were not always enough doctors covering during evenings or at weekends on some of the wards and units. Inspectors were unable to find records of consent to treatment for detained patients, and it was unclear if clinicians were completing capacity assessments during consultations."

The report comes as part of a comprehensive inspection programme undertaken by the CQC of all specialist mental health services.

Although inspectors found many examples of excellent care across England, they also found 'too much poor care' and too much variation in both quality and access across different services.

Dr Lelliott said: "The mental health sector is at a crossroads. The Five Year Forward View for Mental Health, published last year, along with the newly introduced waiting time standards, point the way to a future where people have easy access to high quality care close to home and are able to exercise choice.

"To achieve this vision, the sector must overcome an unprecedented set of challenges – high demand, workforce shortages, unsuitable buildings and poor clinical information systems."

It was found at the Kentmere ward, located at Westmorland General Hospital, the Department of Health’s guidance on eliminating mixed sex accommodation was not complied with.

There was also evidence of blanket restrictions through the routine locking of some doors on the ward and there were concerns regarding the practice of restraint in one case on the Kendal ward.

However, the Trust was rated as 'good' in terms of how caring and responsive it was.

Staff morale was found to be good and staff felt their managers supported them. Family and carers were involved in multi-disciplinary meetings and in patients care and treatment.

Care plans were said to be comprehensive and holistic and staff ensured that patients’ physical health needs were being met.

Clare Parker, director of Quality and Nursing at Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said: "Despite the CQC rating remaining the same, we are incredibly proud of our staff who work within the mental health inpatient wards. They continually provide fantastic patient care through their positive approaches and show they are compassionate and kind. The Trust would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff for their commitment to continually improving our services.

“We know we still have more work to do to improve the areas highlighted in the report and will be continuing with the work already in place to address these issues and have already begun creating action plans to address other areas of improvement."