Enter and View: Trauma Outpatient Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital

Healthwatch Oxfordshire made an Enter and View visit to the Trauma Outpatient Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford in May 2026. This visit was part of a programme of visits to a range of health and care services within Oxfordshire.  

During this visit Healthwatch Oxfordshire spoke to eight patients and 11 members of staff.

Key findings

• There was clear signposting from the main hospital entrance, with a staffed reception area available to direct and support patients and visitors. 
• There was a wide range of patient information available within the unit, including wellbeing support, patient transport details, complaints information, hospital maps and patient feedback results. 
• No translated materials or information about interpreting support were visible during the visit. 
• The unit was clean, spacious and well-maintained.
• There were good facilities for patients, including a water fountain, vending machine and accessible toilets. 
• There were also child-friendly facilities, including a dedicated playroom with toys.
• Patients were highly satisfied with the service, praising staff for their kindness, professionalism and communication. 
• Staff described a supportive and experienced team culture, but highlighted parking and patient transport as areas where improvements are still needed.

Recommendations

Healthwatch Oxfordshire made the following recommendations for improvements to Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), which runs the hospital:

• Provide and display clear information on how people can access an interpreting service.
• Install hearing loops in the unit to improve accessibility for patients with hearing impairments.
• Ensure patients are clear about the treatment pathway on the day of their appointment to avoid patient frustration at perceived inefficiencies.
• Remind clinicians to ask patients if they have any questions about their treatment/recovery enabling patients to leave the unit fully informed and confident.
• Improve the signage near the lift adjacent to the unit to avoid confusion.
• Continue to focus on addressing the parking challenges experienced by patients and staff.
• Work with patient transport providers and commissioners to improve communication and planning to provide a seamless experience for patients. 

The report includes a response from the Head of Patient Experience OUH outlining how the trust will respond to the suggested recommendations.