Enter and View: The Tree House

Healthwatch Lambeth undertook an Enter and View visit to The Tree House, a facility that offers short stay supported living for people when they are discharged from hospital for mental health problems.  They spoke to 6 people.

The shared physical environment was clean and tidy, with a good communal area, kitchen, bathroom and garden.

There were good relations between residents and staff, and residents were very positive about the care they received from staff. There were mixed views about residents’ involvement in decision-making about their care. The main challenge highlighted by residents was having to stay longer at The Tree House than they wanted/needed due to the lack of suitable housing for them to move on to. There was also the fear of being discharged back to accommodation that was unsuitable or not fit for purpose.

Staff enjoyed working at The Tree House and found the work fulfilling and rewarding. They were motivated to support residents to the best of their ability.

The main challenge highlighted by residents, a carer, staff and the manager was the lack of suitable housing for residents to move on to, which meant residents were staying at The Tree House for far longer than 8 weeks, and much longer than was necessary (sometimes months). The other key challenge faced by residents was in accessing and using GP services. There were problems getting through to the practice on the phone, in accessing face-to-face appointments, and in using digital/online services.

The Manager also highlighted issues around contacting, and communicating with, care coordinators, care workers, and CMHTs, which made discharge planning difficult.

The report contains one recommendation and a response from the provider.