A HOSPITAL has been branded “outstanding” in its latest inspection.

The Spinney in Atherton scored the highest possible rating by healthcare watchdog, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) when it monitored its forensic inpatient wards.

The Everest Road facility, which is run by Elysium Healthcare Limited, provides assessment or treatment for people detained under the Mental Health Act.

It has 97 beds in eight wards and units.

Inspectors said: “The service recognised the importance of physical health and wellbeing, with a range of initiatives encouraging a healthier lifestyle, including a 12 week fitness programme.

“Patients were actively involved in how the service was run, participating in community meetings, the patient council, panels and project committees.

“It has good links with other healthcare which meant these providers would visit and offer services to patients on site without the need for them to leave the hospital grounds.

“The service tries to minimise the difficulties friends and families could experience when a loved one is admitted into a secure service.

“It has established a well-supported network for carers to exchange views and share their experiences.

“The environment was clean and well-kept with documentary evidence seen which showed ward areas were consistently and regularly cleaned.

“All the wards had systems and processes in place to deal with foreseeable emergencies including medical emergencies and fire evacuation.

“We saw the emergency equipment was appropriately stored and was accessible by

staff that could need them.”

Inspectors asked 14 patients about their care at the hospital.

The report added: “Patients spoke positively about their experiences at The Spinney and said that they felt safe there.

“All patients were complimentary about the care, treatment and support they had received.”

The inspection was carried out in April and published earlier this month.

The hospital had already been ranked “outstanding” in three out of five of the areas in a report published in March.

Hospital director of The Spinney, Ailie Wallace, said “We are delighted to have been awarded outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.

“Our role as a hospital is to ensure that we deliver the best care possible and to ensure that we put patients at the heart of everything we do.

“I am extremely proud of everyone involved.”