MENTAL health services across Sussex have improved.

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which runs mental health services across the county, has finally been rated good after years of failings.

The trust was heavily criticised after patient Janet Muller escaped from Mill View Hospital in Hove.

It later emerged two further patients escaped after Janet’s death. The trust also launched an investigation in 2016 after it emerged that ten homicides were linked to patients under the trust’s care, and the trust was judged as “requiring improvement” in 2017 and 2015.

Following unannounced inspections between September and December the Care Quality Commission has now found all core services are good.

Inspectors also judged the trust as outstanding for caring.

CQC deputy chief inspector of hospitals Dr Paul Lelliott said: “Previously we rated services at Sussex Partnership as requires improvement. 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.”

Trust chief executive Sam Allen said: “I’m delighted, because it reflects our passion for providing high quality patient care and working with carers, families and our partners to learn and improve.

“I am proud to be part of an organisation providing outstanding care.”