Patient led audits of the care environment - scores achieved by local Trusts in 2019

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove reviewed the 2019 Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE) results for local NHS trusts, drawing on visits by 11 Healthwatch volunteers across hospitals and mental health facilities. The review found very high standards of cleanliness across all local providers and highlighted positive performance in food, maintenance and the general condition of many sites. Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust performed particularly strongly, exceeding national averages in most categories, while Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust (BSUH) achieved good results for cleanliness, food and maintenance. 

The report identified dementia support, disability access and privacy, dignity and wellbeing as the areas where BSUH scored below national averages. Healthwatch noted that these scores did not fully reflect the improvement work already taking place, particularly around dementia care, where a new Trust-wide dementia strategy, staff training, dementia champions and improved discharge support had been introduced. The report emphasised the importance of continuing these improvements and sharing good practice between hospital sites.

Healthwatch’s visits highlighted a number of examples of good practice. At Newhaven Polyclinic, the environment was described as exceptionally clean and well managed. At Mill View Hospital, volunteers observed a welcoming environment, strong patient involvement, good activities and effective use of noticeboards and feedback systems. Chalkhill CAMHS Unit was praised for its bright environment, extensive facilities and strong educational provision. Food quality across many sites was also viewed positively, with improvements noted following changes to catering arrangements. 

The report concluded that local trusts were delivering generally high standards in their care environments but that further improvements were needed in dementia-friendly design, disability access and supporting patient dignity and wellbeing. Healthwatch committed to continuing its regular ward visits and environmental audits to monitor progress and support ongoing improvements across local hospitals and mental health services.