Enter and view; Pyrland Ward, Taunton
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In July 2016, Healthwatch Somerset carried out an Enter and View visit to Pyrland Ward, an inpatient mental health service for older people operated by Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. The visit formed part of a wider programme of visits to Somerset's mental health inpatient wards and involved speaking with patients, staff and volunteers, observing the ward environment and joining patients at lunchtime.
The visit found that patients were cared for in a supportive and compassionate environment, with particularly positive feedback about staff, meal times and the dementia-friendly garden. Healthwatch highlighted strong links with volunteers, advocacy services and community organisations, alongside examples of good practice in patient involvement and flexible visiting arrangements.
However, concerns were identified about the physical environment on Ward Two, which was considered in need of refurbishment, and some patients reported a lack of meaningful activities. Recommendations focused on improving the ward environment, increasing access to therapeutic and reminiscence-based activities and providing more opportunities for engagement throughout the day.