Enter and view: Step Forward Centre, Bradford
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Healthwatch Bradford and District conducted an announced Enter and View visit to the Step Forward Centre on 24 May 2013. This visit was prompted by the opportunity to learn about a new rehabilitation mental health centre as an example of good practice for vulnerable adults.
The Step Forward Centre is a purpose-built unit in the grounds of Lynfield Mount hospital in Bradford, providing a specialised rehabilitation service for 12 mental health patients (people aged 18 and over). It was opened in April 2012, and is managed by the Bradford District Care Trust. The purpose of this centre is to provide a bridge between acute services and care in the community, preparing clients to live supported but independently in their own accommodation. It is not a secure unit or an acute ward, in the sense that clients are free to come and go.
There are weekly staff meetings where admissions that may need to be prioritised are discussed. The aim is for residents to stay for about 3 months, but this is flexible according to individual needs and progress. The centre practices the WRAP Model, the Wellness Recovery Action Plan, designed with the patient to help them develop tools necessary for managing their illness, from daily maintenance to crisis management. Regular Care Programme Approach (CPA) meetings are held, at least every two weeks, to keep the programme on track. CPA is a particular way of assessing, planning and reviewing someone’s mental health care needs. Staff are aware that focus can be lost if there is no meeting for a long time.
The Enter and View Authorised Representatives observed that it appears to be a good service using enthusiastic and well trained staff. The atmosphere is good, although quiet at the time of the Enter and View visit, and there are a range of activities. The visiting team felt that the most important aspects were the improving outcomes as measured by the staff, and the positive responses of the clients they saw and spoke to. The team stated their opinion that these pointed to a service which was achieving its stated outcomes and providing a good service both to clients and the community which it serves.
The one recommendation made was that the good practice observed on this visit should be publicised and shared throughout the Trust, in order that other services can learn from it.
There was no response from the provider included in the report.