A SOUTHAMPTON hospital has been rated as 'outstanding' for being caring.

A mental health hospital, the Priory Hospital Southampton, which caters for NHS and private patients has been ranked ‘outstanding’ for being ‘caring’ by the social and healthcare regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The newly published CQC report rates the hospital as ‘good’ in all categories - and ‘outstanding’ for being caring.

The CQC awarded the accolade after inspecting the hospital whose main services include an acute ward for adult patients with mental health issues called Sandpiper Ward, Kingfisher Ward, for children and adolescents with mental health issues, and Skylark Ward, for patients with eating disorders.

The CQC also reported that staff had created a helpful resource to assist patients in developing “therapeutic relationships” with staff.

This included information such as patients’ likes and dislikes, favourite films and books.

Inspectors said patients on Sandpiper Ward were supported by staff to engage in a range of external activities such as work and education, and where useful, family relationships.

The report refers to specially designated areas where patients can meet visitors, allowing them to ‘maintain relationships with people that mattered to them’.

Kate Brooker, hospital director, said: “The report reflects the excellent level of care we provide and recognises the hard work and commitment that staff here display day in and day out.

"I am extremely proud of the team, and of our patients, and everything we have achieved together.”

Gair Stott, chief executive officer for Priory Healthcare added; “This is a tremendous achievement and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kate and the staff at The Priory in Southampton for achieving such a fantastic CQC report.”