An Edinburgh facility for older people with chronic mental health conditions has been rated highly by inspectors.

The Mental Welfare Commission praised Willow Ward, Ferryfield House for the quality of care provided by staff, engagement with patients’ families and the activities on offer.

Reviewers from the body, which visits mental health care services across Scotland to check the quality of care provided, made no recommendations for improvement.

The Commission’s report said staff members’ interactions with patients were 'warm, caring and respectful'.

'We were frequently told by relatives how caring the team were towards their loved ones,' the report states, 'and how much they valued the emotional and physical comfort staff gave patients, particularly when individuals were in distress.'

Social life at the ward – described as 'bustling' and 'cheerily decorated' – was also praised. Patients’ families are assisted to share mealtimes with their relatives and food is prepared freshly on site.

With a full-time co-ordinator, the ward offers activities tailored for each patient – as well as regular visits from a music therapist and Therapet dogs.

Carers appreciated the thought staff put into organising themed events with decorations and special food, and helping families celebrate special occasions such as anniversaries.

Making no recommendations for improvement, inspectors instead highlighted three areas where the ward was doing well – patient engagement, involving carers and its openness to feedback and constructive criticism.

Professor Alex McMahon, nurse director at NHS Lothian, commented:

“We welcome the Mental Welfare Commission report and I am proud of the care and compassion demonstrated by the staff to create richer person-centred specialist dementia care.

“The report highlights the importance of including carers and families when providing patient care. The staff are praised for their positive attitudes towards engaging carers and how introducing some simple measures, such as having additional notice boards to display more information, can be beneficial to patients during their time in the ward.”