Rathbone Hospital Rehabilitation Ward Listening Event

Healthwatch Liverpool visited the rehabilitation ward at Rathbone Hospital in November 2023 and spoke with seven patients about their experiences. Overall, feedback was very positive. Patients described the ward as calm, safe and supportive, and frequently praised staff for being caring, approachable and genuinely invested in their recovery. Several people felt the psychological support available on the ward was particularly valuable and spoke positively about the continuity of care they received.

Patients also highlighted the ward environment as a strength. They appreciated access to outdoor space, lounges, activity rooms and, for some, self-contained bedsits that helped prepare them for more independent living. Activities such as art, gym sessions, discussion groups, coffee mornings and outings were generally well received, with many saying the programme helped structure their day and support recovery. Patients also reported feeling safer and more settled at Rathbone than on some other inpatient mental health wards they had previously attended. 

The main concerns related to food, activities outside normal hours and housing support. Several patients felt meal choices and portion sizes could be improved, while others wanted more activities during evenings and weekends. Difficulties securing suitable move-on accommodation were also a source of anxiety, with some patients feeling ready for discharge but unable to leave because appropriate housing had not been found. A smaller number of concerns were raised about communication support, medication delays and practical issues such as heating, door access and ward facilities. 

Healthwatch concluded that the rehabilitation ward provides a highly valued service with strong therapeutic relationships, a positive environment and effective support for recovery. Recommendations included increasing evening and weekend activities, reviewing food provision, improving communication support for people with additional needs, addressing practical ward issues and ensuring patients receive accessible information and support when planning move-on housing and discharge arrangements.