Enter and view: Warrington & Halton Hospitals

Healthwatch Halton conducted announced Enter and View visits to Warrington Hospital and Halton Hospital in November and December. Observations were made and a questionnaire for patients was used to gather feedback of 24 patients. The Enter and View representatives gathered feedback from both staff and patients.

Findings for Warrington hospital A5 Ward included that the ward was clean and tidy and information was displayed appropriately regarding staff roles and patient leaflets. Patients regarded the staff highly and respectful interactions were observed between patients and staff. The C23 Maternity ward findings included that the ward was clean and tidy but that the displayed information could be updated. The patients described staff as attentive and valued the opportunity that fathers were able to stay with their partners on this ward. One patient stated that communication could be better between labour wards and the maternity ward.

B1 Rehabilitation Ward in Halton Hospital was observed and observations were made including that the signage was not clear directing visitors from different entrances. A number of trip hazards were observed in the corridors but patients reported that staff were kind and very attentive when they were needed. Dementia friendly signage was observed throughout the ward and clean bathrooms with up-to-date monitoring forms. Activities were conducted on this ward, such as crafts, which patients reported they enjoyed. Ward B3 is a long stay ward for patients who are waiting for a care package in order to be discharged. It was observed that some information was displayed, but the ward information board was blank. A number of storage issues were observed, including multiple cupboards near to reception and a clinical waste bin near to a patient with dementia's bed. Staff and patients reported long waits on the ward as there is one care provider in Halton which means patients must wait for packages to become available. The ward was safe and calm with friendly staff.

Recommendations were made by the Healthwatch team including: Ensure that residents have their cultural and spiritual needs met by facilitating church visits or masses within the home for all; Display Healthwatch information posters and leaflets on wards to increase staff and patient knowledge of our service, encouraging engagement and feedback; Welcome and question visitors as they enter the wards; Ensure all walkways are clear of clutter such as cleaning equipment and personal belongings; Ensure consistency across the wards with the use of Patient Information boards. 1 ward updated the board daily, 1 wards board was 20 days out of date and 2 wards were not using the boards at all and had introduced more permanent printed posters; Consider introducing more activities to wards B3 and B1 at Halton Hospital for long stay patients to help improve wellbeing; and Review storage arrangements in ward B3.

The service provider gave a positive response and implied that an action plan will be put into place following discussions with the Clinical Business Unit teams.