The CQC has today published its report following a Well-Led inspection of Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) in March this year.
EPUT welcomes the CQC’s feedback as an opportunity to recognise areas for ongoing improvement and positive changes already made, as the Trust continues to focus on the transformation of its services to provide the best patient care.
Trevor Smith, Interim Joint Chief Executive Officer at EPUT, said: “It’s really important to work with the CQC and other partners so that together we can improve healthcare for all our communities.
“I’m proud of the work all of our staff do for our patients each and every day, continually enhancing the quality of patient care across our services. Whilst we have made improvements, there is more to do to ensure that everyone experiences the best possible care and we are firmly committed to that.”
A number of improvements have already been made at the Trust including the re-design of care on our wards co-designed with patients, the investment in mental health urgent care centres (with two more in development) and a current review of community mental health services to provide the best possible care at home. The Trust is also working with partners to deliver a first of type Electronic Patient Record system across community, mental health and acute services.
About EPUT:
- The Trust is working closely with patients, families and carers to understand individual needs and ensure their voices are heard in the planning of care. Between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2025, EPUT received 10,451 reviews on iWantGreatCare from patients, families and carers – 94% were positive about care provided.
- The Trust has invested in making changes to ward environments to make them more therapeutic for patients who are neurodiverse – dedicated sensory rooms have been created to support patients with sensory needs and mental health difficulties.
- A Specialist Neurodivergence Advisor is working closely with clinicians and using their clinical and personal experiences to ensure patients receive care best suited to their needs in an environment best suited to their needs.
- A dedicated team is in place, supporting staff experience with a clear focus on Equality Diversity and Inclusion. This is supported by new leadership framework that provides greater focus on ensuring staffing reflects the diverse needs of our patients and their care.
- Lived Experience Ambassadors are working alongside the Trust’s Patient Experience team to support the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF) across EPUT, ensuring patients from diverse racial communities receive fair access to services, improved outcomes and better experiences of mental health care.
- Staff complete regular training to reduce the use of restrictive practice wherever possible, using nationally recognised approaches to help patients use safe and calm methods to de-escalate when they are experiencing distress.
- Dedicated programmes have been created to support the development of current and future leaders.
Media enquiries: [email protected]