Enter and View: Ash Ward, Somerset

This is a very short report from Healthwatch Somerset following an Enter and View visit to Ash Ward mental health ward on 9th December 2015. The report just has the recommendations and the response from Ash Ward. Ash Ward is a 12 bedded low secure inpatient rehabilitation unit for male adults with mental health difficulties. It is located at Broadway Health Park, Bridgwater and is within walking distance of the town centre.

1 Healthwatch Somerset leaflets to be displayed both in reception and also on the patient engagement noticeboard.

Thank you for supplying leaflets. They are now displayed both in reception and on the ward.

2 The Trust consider introducing any items from the good practice examples for meetings list that it thinks will help to improve these meetings.

Thank you for your good examples list. We have considered how they may benefit Ash ward and have agreed to include some items.

3 The good practice examples activities list (See appendix 2 and 3) is discussed with staff and at ‘have your say meetings’.

Thank you for your examples which will be discussed with staff and patients.

4 Consult a nutrition specialist for advice on improving healthy options for meals.

The menus are currently being reviewed with the input of a dietician and nutritionist. The new menus should be available by the end of March 2016.

5 Create a volunteering recruitment plan to encourage the involvement of volunteers onto the ward.

This will be discussed at a divisional level to identify the best approach to this that can be shared by all wards.

6 Consult with patients and staff about the wearing of uniforms by staff supporting patients while out in the community.

There are plans for the uniforms and uniform policy to be reviewed by the Trust. The ward manager of Ash ward will be part of this group.