Enter and view: The Royal Oldham Hospital Maternity Post Natal Ward

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Summary of report content

Healthwatch Oldham and Healthwatch Rochdale undertook an enter and view visit to the Royal Oldham Hospital Maternity Post Natal Ward on 30 August 2023.  They spoke to 13 patients and 10 members of staff.

The ward was clean and tidy. The environment was safe with a buzzer system to let people in and out. Staff wore identity name badges. There was a new discharge lounge with a dedicated midwife. The ward was equipped with face masks and hand sanitisation was readily available. Patients commented they felt safe on the ward. Patients felt that their dietary needs were well catered for.

However, the ward was noisy at nighttime (extended visiting, visitor and patient devices). Information was only available in English (posters, displays, leaflets). It wasn’t easy to locate fire exits. There were ongoing issues about staff recruitment and retention.  Some patients were waiting a number of days to go home.  Staff morale was poor, there were insufficient staff and there was little time allowed to participate in  in training opportunities.

The report includes recommendations about providing information in languages other than English, the timing of making birth plans, noise levels on the ward, clearer signage, and improved staffing.  The report includes a response from the provider.

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General details

Local Healthwatch
Healthwatch Oldham
Healthwatch Rochdale
Publication date
Date evidence capture began
Date evidence capture finished
Type of report
Enter and View
Key themes
Accessibility and reasonable adjustments
Building, Decor and Facilities, including health and safety
Caring, kindness, respect and dignity
Cleanliness, Hygiene and Infection Control
Discharge
Food, nutrition and catering
Remote appointments and digital services
Service organisation, delivery, change and closure
Staffing - levels and training
Written information, guidance and publicity

Methodology and approach

Was the work undertaken in partnership with another organisation?
No
Primary research method used
Observation (eg Enter and View)
If an Enter and View methodology was applied, was the visit announced or unannounced?
Not Known

Details of health and care services included in the report

Details of health and care services included in the report
Discharge lounge/ discharge team/ discharge to assess
Maternity care

Details of people who shared their views

Number of people who shared their views
23
Gender
Women
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