Statement to cabinet regarding the CQC inspection of the Norfolk and Suffolk Mental Health Trust

Last week, the Care Quality Commission reported the outcome of its inspection into the NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Mental Health Trust (NSFT), which gave an overall rating of inadequate (view the Care Quality Commission report).

Councillor Bill Borrett, Norfolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, gave his reaction at a meeting of the Council's Cabinet this morning (Tuesday, 3rd May).

Cllr Borrett said:

"I was extremely disappointed to see the outcome of the CQC Inspection of the NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Mental Health Trust, in particular that, despite support from NHS England and a partner Mental Health Trust, they had not been able to maintain improvement.

"The people of Norfolk, and those vulnerable people with mental health needs, deserve much better.

"I have written last week to the Chairman of the Trust to express the Council's concern, and will keep Cabinet appraised of their plans for action.

"Of course we support the staff of the Trust in their endeavours and as a partner we will play a constructive part in the improvement process, but the County is entitled to expect radical steps now to ensure that the improvement process underway does deliver a sustained improvement.

"I will be talking to our NHS colleagues to explore how best the Council can receive oversight and updates on the improvement, including possible reports to committees."