Low-security hospital in Abbey Wood given clean bill of health (From News Shopper)

Care Quality Commission review says Atlas House in Abbey Wood meets required standards for patients

11:57am Thursday 26th January 2012 in Health News By Jim Palmer

A SECURE hospital for patients with learning disabilities or challenging behaviour has been given a clean bill of health by a Government watchdog.

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) review said the low-secure NHS Atlas House in Lodge Hill, Abbey Wood – which is run by Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust - was meeting the required standards.

The home, which can cater for upto 11 patients - including those detained under the Mental Health Act – was revealed to have kept detailed records, run plenty of activities, and had a ‘robust, person-centre and accessible’ care planning system.

There were no concerns from patients or staff about the standard of care and patients said they had never seen anyone needing to be restrained.

One patient told the CQC: “If you are worried or upset the staff sit down with you and talk to you until you are calm and relaxed.”

Oxleas Chief executive Stephen Firn said the trust was pleased with the fundings, which he said ‘show that patients and their relatives feel safe and cared for using Atlas House and have a very positive relationship with staff’.