The Care Quality Commission has rated Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust services as 'outstanding'.

Following an inspection between November and January, Oxleas has been rated ‘good’ overall, with some services rated outstanding.

The report found inpatient services to be ‘outstanding for caring’ and community-based health services for older people ‘outstanding for effectiveness’.

These new service ratings add to those awarded in 2017, when Oxleas NHS forensic inpatient wards were rated ‘outstanding for responsiveness’ and community services for adults with a learning disability also received ‘outstanding for caring’.

Matthew Trainer, chief executive, visited all the outstanding services to congratulate colleagues and thank them for their work.

He said: “This report is a great platform for us to build on. There’s a lot to be proud of and to help us aim for an 'outstanding' overall rating at our next inspection. When you look at the quality of care that we provide, that’s something we’ve got to push towards."

In community-based health services for older people, inspectors were impressed by Greenwich Memory Service’s Quality Improvement programme to increase referrals for people from minority ethnic groups.

Outstanding practice was also found on wards for older people with mental health problems, including Holbrook with its 1940s décor and sensory garden.

The trust's leadership team was found to be committed with strong values and integrity. They were found to be visible, approachable and promoting a positive culture which supports and values staff.

The trust was also found to be committed to learning when things go well and also when they go wrong.

Trust chairman Andy Trotter said: “Our staff have worked tremendously hard over the last two years to make sure we provide good and outstanding care. We are pleased that the CQC rated Oxleas as good and we will continue to build on this.”