A HOSPITAL near Darlington which helps patients with mental health conditions has been ranked among the seven per cent best such services in the country.

The Priory, in Middleton St George, has been ranked as outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.

Inspectors praised the service for high levels of experience among staff which led to 'excellent and sustainable care' for patients.

The Priory Middleton St George Hospital has 70 beds over five wards including 22 acute beds, 20 specialist beds for women with personality disorders and 28 rehabilitation and recovery beds.

The CQC gave the service – which provides care for inpatients with complex needs and behaviours - top marks for being ‘caring’ and ‘well-led’, and ‘good’ for three other categories – responsive, effective and safe.

In its review of the “are the services caring? category”, the CQC said: “Staff on all wards made an effort to get to know the patients and their cultural, religious and social needs. Individual needs were discussed, and staff helped patients understand how to prevent their condition from impacting their daily activities.”

Inspectors reported that patients had told them that staff treated them well and were invested in their welfare and “did far more than just their job role”.

The Priory in Middleton St George is a specialist private service based in the region and is part of the Priory Group.

It provides specialist care and treatment for adults with complex mental health needs and behaviours that challenge.

Manager Paul Walsh said: “We are all very proud of what we have achieved here at Middleton St George. A rating of ‘outstanding’ overall is something that the team can take great heart from – recognition such as this is very gratifying. To be considered as ‘outstanding’ in the “caring” and “well-led” categories truly displays the quality of care our staff deliver.”

Dr Sylvia Tang, Chief Executive of Priory Healthcare, said: “This report reflects the positive feedback received from patients and their relatives and is a huge testament to the staff that work hard every day to make a difference to those they care for. Every member of staff has played their part, striving to bring meaningful change, and the best quality of life, to patients."