Enter and view: Burbage Ward, Michael Carlisle Centre

Healthwatch Sheffield carried out an Enter and View visit to Burbage Ward, an inpatient mental health ward at the Michael Carlisle Centre. Overall, the visit found a well-organised service with committed staff and generally positive feedback from patients. The ward was clean, well maintained and had recently been redecorated with input from patients. Staff and patients both highlighted improvements under the current ward manager, and the atmosphere was described as more welcoming and less institutional than in the past. 

A key strength of the ward was its person-centred approach. Patients were involved in care planning wherever possible, with a strong focus on preparing for discharge and recovery. Staff were praised for their flexibility, responsiveness and commitment to meeting individual needs. A wide range of activities was available, including arts and crafts, pottery, football, jewellery-making, Tai Chi, bingo and gym sessions. Patients also reported generally positive experiences of care and support, including access to healthcare services and community mental health teams.

The most significant issue raised during the visit was concern about the impending smoke-free policy due to be introduced across the trust. Every patient interviewed expressed anxiety about the ban, questioning how it would be enforced and whether nicotine replacement therapies would be sufficient. Healthwatch also heard concerns about drugs, particularly legal highs, being brought onto the ward by visitors. Additional areas for improvement included ensuring noticeboards remained up to date, making complaints and feedback forms more accessible, and improving awareness of advocacy services. 

Healthwatch concluded that Burbage Ward was delivering supportive and recovery-focused care within a positive environment. Recommendations focused on improving patient information, ensuring feedback mechanisms were consistently available, gathering patient views on the smoking ban and maintaining access to advocacy services. Sheffield Health and Social Care Trust responded positively, outlining plans to support patients through the transition to a smoke-free environment and improve the availability of patient information and feedback materials.