Enter and view: Jessop Wing, Royal Hallamshire Hospital

Healthwatch Sheffield carried out an Enter and View visit to the antenatal clinic and Rivelin Ward at the Jessop Wing, Royal Hallamshire Hospital. Feedback from patients was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing staff as friendly, supportive and informative. Observers found a caring culture, strong teamwork and good communication between staff, while both ward and clinic areas were clean, bright and well maintained. Patients frequently praised the quality of care they received, despite frustrations about waiting times in the outpatient clinic. 

Patients on Rivelin Ward spoke positively about their environment and the efforts staff made to make long stays more comfortable and personalised. However, Healthwatch felt the ward and waiting areas were rather plain and could benefit from more artwork, reading materials and other features to create a more welcoming atmosphere. The report also highlighted opportunities to improve outdoor spaces, including balcony and garden areas, so that patients and families could make greater use of them while in hospital.

The main concern related to waiting times and communication in the antenatal clinic. Some patients reported waiting several hours as they moved between scans, tests and consultant appointments. Healthwatch found there was little information available about delays, no electronic patient tracking system and concern among patients that they might miss their appointment if they left the waiting area. The report recommended introducing better electronic systems to track appointments, display waiting information and improve communication about delays. 

Healthwatch concluded that the Jessop Wing provided high-quality, patient-centred maternity care delivered by enthusiastic and supportive staff. Recommendations focused on improving signage, upgrading information systems, enhancing waiting environments, developing outdoor spaces and expanding access to WiFi and patient information. Sheffield Teaching Hospitals accepted the recommendations and confirmed plans to introduce an electronic tracking system, improve signage, enhance ward environments and review facilities for patients and visitors.