Enter and view: Oxford Children's Hospital
Download (PDF 870.43 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Oxfordshire undertook an enter and view visit to Oxford Children’s Hospital on 11 January 2023. This was part of a programme of visits to services provided by Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. They spoke to 32 people.
The Children’s Hospital is a busy, well led, patient centred service, providing excellent care with a highly skilled, caring and committed staff team at all levels. Staff go over and above in their work, and are passionate about their work to support children and young people in their care.
Parents, carers, children and young people all value the care, positive communication and support they receive from staff.
The hospital and ward environment is well thought out. It is creative, colourful, light and uplifting, providing a child friendly setting for treatment and care. Families value the provision of support including interactive play facilities, respite and care, and tailored information.
Information and signage across the wards is child focused, creative, and clear. Younger children particularly benefited from a creative and engaging play environment on the wards. Hospital school and other support provided interest for young people on longer stay wards. Further thought could be given to needs of children with autism, and for young people on short stay wards to alleviate potential boredom.
Patients and staff continue to find parking a challenge at the hospital including the blue badge areas.
The report contains eight recommendations about information, feedback, activities and the needs of patients with autism.