Enter and view: Holdforth unit University Hospital, Hartlepool

Healthwatch members visited the Holdforth Nurse Led, out of hospital 36 bedded Community Rehabilitation Unit.

Members were welcomed by the Senior Clinical Matron. There was a small adequate gym, well equipped day room. Members were impressed with the décor which used colours to assist dementia patients. The Unit was fully staffed and there was a nurse with training in dementia. A volunteer attends the unit to speak to those patients without visitors. There is a drop in session once a week for patients, family members, carers and staff. The wards, toilets and bathrooms/shower room were very clean. Members spoke to 25 patients and visiting family members.

Findings included; everyone felt safe in the unit. Patients and family visitors expressed their view that all staff on the Unit treated them with kindness, caring and respect. Patients felt their care was focused on their needs. Patients also felt that their health needs were being met.

Members felt that the unit was outstanding. Matron sets an ‘impeccably high standard’ for herself and her staff. Hardworking and caring staff was evidenced in the whole Unit. It was felt that Matrons and the staff should be commended by the Trust and copied as ‘good practice’.

Recommendations; to change the present menus on perhaps a three/four weekly basis.