Enter and View: Discharge Wards: Evington Centre; Coalville Community Hospital, and Loughborough Hospital

Healthwatch Leicester and Leicestershire undertook enter and view visits to the discharge wards in the Evington Centre, Coalville Community Hospital and Loughborough Hospital in the period October to December 2025.  They spoke to 10 people.

Key findings

Beechwood and Clarendon Ward (Evington Centre) 

Beechwood ward:  

• Female-only ward with a capacity of 24 patients, located fully on the ground floor with a mixture of bays and en-suite side rooms, with therapy space, dining/lounge area, and a well-used patient courtyard.
• Clean, spacious, calm and well-maintained environment.
• Fully accessible with clear signage, wheelchair access, accessible toilets and disabled parking
• Patients provided with clear information, multilingual and communication support and regular refreshments.
• Strong partnership working, with patients kept informed and involved in discharge planning.

Clarendon ward:

•  All-male ward with a capacity of 21 patients; ground-floor location and fully occupied at time of visit.
• Mainly single en-suite rooms, with one three-bed bay, creating a calm and well-lit environment.
• Good accessibility, including wide pathways, accessible bathrooms, pendant alarms and shared gym access.
• Some en-suite bathrooms identified as small, with staff actively seeking funding for improvements.
• Effective communication between ward staff, therapy lead and discharge team.
• Patients are informed and involved in discharge plans, with a clear focus on safety and appropriate placement. 

Thringston Ward (Coalville Community Hospital) 

• Mixed-gender ward with four bays, accommodating 15 patients at the time of visit.
• Spacious, well-maintained environment with a large day/dining room, gym, treatment rooms and assisted bathrooms.
• Excellent accessibility, including wide pathways, clear signage, accessible toilets and available wheelchairs.
• Outdoor garden space and a varied activities programme to support patient wellbeing.
• Clear and accessible patient information, with feedback options and interpretation services available.
• Discharge planning begins on admission, supported by a dedicated discharge team and strong partnership working. 

Charnwood Ward (Loughborough Hospital) 

•  18-bed ground-floor ward with one male bay and rest are female bays and side rooms, providing a calm and comfortable environment.
• Good access to dining/day room, therapy spaces, equipment room and shared garden area.
• Fully accessible with wide corridors, clear signage, accessible toilets and showers and available wheelchairs.
• Welcoming and supportive staff communication, with privacy available for confidential discussions.
• Clear patient information displayed, including complaints, carers’ support and feedback options.
• Well-coordinated discharge process involving ward staff, therapists and discharge coordinators, promoting safe and timely discharges.