Enter and view: Ward 43 University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire - revisit

Healthwatch Coventry undertook an Enter and View visit to Ward 43 at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire on 18 February 2026. The purpose of this revisit was to understand whether improvements identified during previous visits in 2023 and 2024 have been sustained and embedded in practice. During this visit, they spoke with 15 patients, 7 members of staff, and 2 family members, alongside undertaking structured observations of the ward environment, care delivery, communication, and mealtime practices. 

Overall, Healthwatch found significant and sustained improvements in the culture, environment, and delivery of care on Ward 43. The Ward presented as busy but well-organised, with a positive atmosphere and strong evidence of teamwork. Interactions between staff and patients were consistently respectful, and patients’ dignity and privacy were maintained throughout Healthwatch observations. 

Improvements previously identified in relation to protected mealtimes and nutritional support were evident. The introduction of a designated nutrition role appears to have strengthened coordination during mealtimes, with patients generally supported to sit up, receive meals in a timely way, and access assistance where required. 

Patients’ overall experiences were largely positive, with over half rating their experience highly. Many described staff as caring, approachable, and hardworking. Observations supported this, with staff responding promptly to patient needs and demonstrating compassionate, personcentred care. Communication between patients and staff was generally effective, particularly with nursing staff and healthcare assistants. 

However, some patients reported challenges in receiving clear and consistent information from doctors and consultants, particularly regarding their condition, treatment plans, and discharge. This suggests an opportunity to further strengthen communication across multidisciplinary teams. 

Feedback on discharge processes was mixed. While some patients felt well-informed, others reported uncertainty about next steps or timeframes. Earlier and clearer communication about discharge planning may help to improve patient confidence and experience. 

Food and drink provision was generally viewed as adequate, with most patients reporting they had enough time to eat. However, some patients highlighted issues relating to food variety, timing of meals (particularly in relation to medication such as insulin), and the need to better reflect diverse dietary and cultural preferences.

Importantly, the issues identified during this visit were relatively minor and consistent with challenges seen across similar hospital settings, rather than indicative of systemic concerns within the ward. This represents a marked improvement from previous visits, where concerns about ward culture, dignity, and mealtime practices were more significant.