Enter and view: Renal Dialysis Unit Churchill Hospital

Healthwatch Oxfordshire undertook an enter and view visit to the Renal Dialysis Unit at the Churchill Hospital on 7 December 2022. They spoke to 9 patients and 5 staff altogether.

They found:

• The renal unit is a busy, well led, patient centred service, providing excellent care with a highly skilled, caring and committed staff team, in a learning environment.
• Patient choice is supported, and patients are encouraged to manage their care, and given the skills and knowledge to do so when they choose.
• Patients generally feel able to raise concerns with the staff team about their treatment and care.
• Patients had praise for the staff and valued the care and support they received.
• External and internal directional signage was not always clear, making navigation to and within the unit difficult for some.
• Information provided on displays in the wards was comprehensive but some was out of date, and overwhelming in quantity. There was not clear information on how to give comment and feedback or offering an interpreter.
• Wards and corridors are used for storage of equipment and other items giving a slightly cluttered feel.
• Waiting areas at changeover times become crowded and sometimes noisy which can be overwhelming for some patients.
• Some patients commented that they were cold on the wards, or that heating was inconsistent, making long hours in treatment uncomfortable.
• Patient transport provided by South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) was noted as a source of frustration for both patients and staff. Transport was not always reliable impacting both on patient ability to plan and taking up valuable staff time.

They made eight recommendations about information, signage, patient comfort and patient transport.  The report includes a response from the provider.