Hampshire & IOW Healthcare, which was formed by the merger of four trusts in October 2024, was rated requires improvement.

Serena Coleman, CQC deputy director of mental health in the South said the trust ‘had undertaken significant work to bring together the predecessor organisations into one new organisation' but some cultural and governance aspects of the transformation ‘hadn't fully embedded, or reached frontline services'.

Staff reported leaders weren't visible and described a disconnect between clinical and non-clinical staff.

One in five were reluctant to raise concerns because they did not think they would be acted upon or feared retribution.

Systems, policies and processes were still being developed and embedded creating risks in some cases.

Delays to finalising the new organisation's structure meant learning from safety incident was not always shared in a timely way and multiple incompatible electronic systems ‘risked important clinical information being lost and made it more difficult for staff to complete mandatory training', Coleman added.

However, leaders ‘demonstrated a genuine commitment to compassionate and collaborative leadership' and ‘had ensured the trust's strategy was co-produced with people who used services, staff, and partner organisations'.

Trust response

Chief executive, Ron Shields, said: ‘The CQC's findings reflect where we are as an organisation that has made strong headway following a large and complex merger, with more to do to embed consistent leadership, systems and processes that enable our staff to deliver the best possible care. 

‘Most importantly, the CQC heard overwhelmingly positive feedback from patients and carers about the care they receive. This reflects the professionalism and commitment of our staff and the strength of the services they deliver. 

‘It is also positive that, in the first Well Led assessment following the merger, the CQC recognises the significant progress made in bringing the new trust together. It highlights strengths in collaborative leadership, strategy development and partnership working. 

‘These findings will help us continue improving and developing the way we work.'