DELIGHTED staff are celebrating a huge turnaround after a mental health hospital improved its rating from ‘inadequate’ to ‘good’.

Cygnet Hospital, in Colchester, is a 54-bed service providing intensive support and rehabilitation services for men with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders or other mental health needs.

Last year Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors visited the hospital after receiving reports of concern relating to safeguarding patients and the reporting and investigation of incidents.

They found staff were not always following Covid-19 protocols by wearing face masks and appropriate action was not always taken when breaches were found.

They did, however, find examples of staff treating patients with kindness and respect.

The hospital was not rated during the inspection and remained inadequate.

Now the hospital has been rated ‘good’ across the board by the CQC.

A spokesman said: “We are delighted with the improved rating, and the very positive feedback we have received from the regulator.

“To have turned around the service to a point where it is rated as good in all domains is a fantastic achievement by our managers and staff and reflects our strong commitment towards those in our care.”

In the report, the CQC found people were supported to be independent and had control over their own lives, and that care focused on people’s quality of life and followed national guidance and best practice.

The report also acknowledges staff understand the individual needs of patients.

They treat them with compassion and kindness and involve patients families and carers in care decisions.

The spokesman added: “Our work has ensured the service is recognised by the CQC as wellled.

“That’s with good leadership and governance processes that helped the service keep people safe.”