10/03/2026
‘Good’ news for our forensic mental health services
Supporting patients to understand and manage their care, treatment and condition; kindness and compassion; respecting patients’ privacy and dignity, while helping them to maintain contact with their families and carers have been commended as part of an inspection our services, which have been rated as ‘good’.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) completed the unannounced inspection of in-patient forensic services in November 2025, visiting 14 wards at our Guild Lodge site in Whittingham, Preston.
This was the CQC’s most recent inspection of the service, which they found to be good for each of the five key elements they investigate: being responsive, caring, well-led, safe and effective. The previous inspection was in 2018.
Dr Gareth Thomas, Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We are pleased to have been able to maintain our ‘good’ rating across all of the domains which the CQC review, meaning the service has overall received ‘good’ status.
“What stood out in the CQC’s findings is the excellent quality of care given by our teams to our forensic in-patients who experience serious mental illnesses.
“It was noted how our colleagues found effective ways to communicate with patients who have communication difficulties, they take time to listen, respond and support with compassion, and how individuals’ care plans were personalised, holistic and recovery-focused, with engagement taking place with patients to ensure their voice is reflected in their plans.
He added: “It was also great to hear that we understand the personal, cultural, social and religious needs of patients, which demonstrates our Trust commitment to inclusivity for both patients and colleagues.
“I am delighted that inspectors were able to see the activities and facilities we offer for patients as part of occupational therapy and skills development, which includes physical exercise, and how we promote and teach healthy cooking and eating as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
“I would like to thank and congratulate all colleagues who work on our forensic in-patient wards, offering personalised, supportive and collaborative care which is really making a difference to those with serious mental illnesses.”
CQC inspectors also found that:
• The service was consistently managed and well-led. Leaders and the culture they created promoted high-quality, person-centred care.
• The physical and mental health of all patients was assessed on admission. Individual care plans were reviewed regularly through multidisciplinary discussion and updated as needed.
• The service made adjustments for disabled patients.
• Patients were able to obtain information on treatments, local services, their rights and how to complain.
• Patients were supported with communication, advocacy and cultural and spiritual support.
• The service treated concerns and complaints seriously, investigating them and learned lessons from the result.
• Patients said that staff helped them with understanding aspects of their care plan.
• Patients could access a range of facilities on-site including a gym, sensory room and occupational therapy centre. There was positive feedback about being able to access facilities and activities off the wards.
• The service had a visiting room which could be booked to facilitate contact with family and loved ones.
Forensic mental health services provide treatment and support for people with complex mental disorders in a secure environment which safeguards them, those who provide their care and the general public.
The full report can be found on the CQC website.
