Culture and care review: Priory Hospital Arnold

Healthwatch Nottingham and Nottinghamshire carried out a Culture and Care Review of Priory Hospital Arnold in June 2026, following concerns raised after a serious incident in 2022. The review combined patient interviews, staff surveys and direct observations to assess whether safety improvements introduced since then had translated into positive day-to-day experiences for patients. Overall, the report found that physical safety measures and leadership arrangements had improved significantly, with staff generally feeling well supported and confident raising concerns. 

Patients and staff both described positive aspects of the hospital, including a clean environment, stable workforce and examples of caring, respectful support. However, the review found a gap between how staff and patients experienced safety. While staff often viewed the environment as safe and well managed, a number of patients reported feeling unheard, particularly when raising concerns about physical health problems, pain or personal wellbeing. Awareness of Martha’s Rule was also very low among both patients and staff. 

The report identified recurring concerns about night-time care, communication and handovers. Patients described increased noise, less responsive support and a less therapeutic atmosphere during night shifts. Some felt important information about their needs was not always passed between staff, while others reported that concerns were dismissed or viewed solely through the lens of mental illness rather than being fully investigated. Several examples suggested that relational care and listening could be inconsistent across wards and shifts. 

Healthwatch concluded that Priory Arnold has made significant improvements to physical security, staffing stability and leadership culture, but that further work is needed to strengthen patient experience. Recommendations focused on ensuring physical health concerns are independently reviewed, increasing senior oversight of night shifts, improving awareness of Martha’s Rule, strengthening cultural competency, improving access to advocacy and ensuring handovers capture the personal as well as clinical needs of patients.