Enter and view: Thornbury Hospital

Henderson ward is run by Sirona care & health for ‘Reablement’, a system which has developed to avoid patients experiencing delayed transfers of care from hospitals. It is used as a ‘half way house’ for patients who are not well enough to be discharged home, but whom it is hoped will be able to return to independent living with more rehabilitation. Healthwatch volunteers were told by staff that the average length of stay is 28 days and the average patient is 91 years old. Patients must be over 18 years old. The main causes of admissions are post fracture and post respiratory infection.

Observation by the Enter and View representatives reported that: The atmosphere at the hospital was welcoming and relaxed. It was noted that the car park was both free and easy to find a space; Due to the age of the hospital, the conditions can appear quite cramped and cluttered which make it difficult for staff to work there, but in general we found a happy, caring and very professional atmosphere; All the patients spoken to were complimentary about the food.

Positive patient feedback: “Helpful and caring”, “Nursing team very helpful”, “My diet as vegetarian well catered for”.

Negative patient feedback: “No-one sat down and said what they were going to do”, “Didn’t always know what was happening at the beginning”

Mixed patient feedback: “Very caring but sometimes had to wait as busy with other patients”, “Excellent nursing care. Transfers between hospitals very uncomfortable and traumatic”.

Healthwatch volunteers were impressed with the standard of Thornbury hospital and the enthusiasm and dedication with which staff worked. The patients told us that the discharge process was well organised and the staff were clear about the steps to be taken. However, the building itself is old and in need of modernisation. Healthwatch volunteers felt that the long, narrow ward structure imposes limitations on individual space and personal privacy.