Following a recent inspection, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated the community based mental health services for adults of working age at Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust as Requires Improvement overall. This does not impact the overall rating of the trust, which remains Good overall.
The CQC carried out an unannounced focused inspection of the community-based mental health services in November.
The CQC’s report clearly demonstrates we need improvements to the mental health service provision for Dover and Deal. I had a very useful meeting with the new Chair of the Trust recently where I outlined the need to provide better mental health provision to our area and I will continue to work with the Trust so we see better outcomes for patients going forward.
While this is a disappointing outcome, we must not forget some of the shining lights in our community such as Justine Norris, an Occupational therapist from Deal, who was recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list with an MBE for her contribution to mental health services, in particular during COVID-19.
Here in Dover in Deal we have our fantastic community volunteer support groups, like Talk It Out, Solve Mental Health Charity and The Rotary Club, who play an invaluable role in saving lives and supporting well-being. It is essential these local groups get the support they need to continue their important work, and that people have access to the professional mental health support they need, when they need it.