Fourth green gateway review rating for new medium secure unit

A new medium secure unit (MSU) currently under construction on the St Bernard’s Hospital site has received a fourth green rating for its Gateway Review.

Achieving the highest possible ranking in all four of its mandatory reviews as West London Mental Health NHS Trust (WLMHT) is an "outstanding accomplishment" rarely seen by assessors.

Receiving the rating, acting chief executive of WLMHT Paul Stefanoski said: "This is excellent news for our patients, their families and our staff who are looking forward to moving into the new medium secure unit early next year.

"The trust’s robust strategic plan, extensive stakeholder engagement and clear commitment to upgrading the way we deliver male medium secure services have all contributed to our excellent rating. It’s extremely encouraging to receive such positive feedback for the project and to have our efforts recognised in this way."

To conduct the review, Gateway accredited peers selected from a pool of more than 300 specialists met with trust directors and senior managers to discuss project progress. This was followed by an in-depth analysis of key documents and interviews with some of the staff and service users involved.

An evaluation of the information gathered established that West London Mental Health NHS Trust is ready to transfer its male medium secure services into the new, fit for purpose facility, thereby significantly improving treatment and care for this patient group.

The final Gateway Review takes place in February 2017, one year after Thames Lodge opens. During the reviews teams’ final visit, the trust will be in a position to demonstrate the benefits of Thames Lodge for service users and staff, as well as how the new MSU has supported improvements to care, recovery, and health outcomes.

West London Mental Health NHS Trust is one of the largest mental health trusts in the country. It provides a full range of mental health services for children, adults and older people living in the London boroughs of Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham and Hounslow in addition to specialist and forensic mental health services, including high secure services at Broadmoor Hospital.