Speaking after the rating was announced, Sam Allen, Sussex Partnership's Chief Executive, said: At Sussex Partnership, we value the CQC’s role in helping us improve care and treatment for the patients, families and local communities we serve. I’m delighted we have moved from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘good’ because it reflects our passion for providing high quality patient care and working with carers, families and our partners to learn and improve. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in helping us do this.

“I am proud to be part of an organisation providing outstanding care. I am also proud to work alongside colleagues who come to work committed to helping people with their mental health and wellbeing and committed to the values of the NHS.”

The CQC's Deputy Chief Inspector of Hospitals (and lead for mental health), Dr Paul Lelliott, said: “Previously we rated services at the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust as requires improvement. I am delighted that the Trust has taken to heart the findings from that and built on them to improve. We have found that the trust board and senior leadership team has put its clear vision and values at the heart of the organisation, working hard to make sure staff at all levels understood how this relates to their daily roles.

“During this inspection we have found examples of good practice in all core services we inspected. In particular we have seen a significant improvement in the quality of care. Services are more flexible and highly personalised to meet patients’ individual needs. I congratulate all concerned on the positive changes that we have found.”

You can also watch a short film of Sam explaining what the rating means for staff, patients and their families:

You can read our previous CQC inspection report here.