Enter and view: Younger Disabled Unit

In March 2016, four representatives from Healthwatch Rutland and Healthwatch Leicester conducted an Enter and View visit to the Younger Disabled Unit based on Ward 2, Leicester General Hospital. One representative was a wheelchair user.

Healthwatch focused their observations in the following areas: outside main building, ward structure, staff, patients, therapy, meals, discharge, staff views. The ward has 16 beds, of which 14 were occupied at the time of the visit. The visit was planned and stemmed from previous visits by the Care Quality Commission and Healthwatch representatives which stated facilities were unfit for purpose.

This report provides an overview of what representatives observed on Ward 2 with regard to the Unit’s facilities, staffing, therapy, meals and patient discharge. The views of several staff are included and the majority of patients. No visitors were present at the time of the visit. Healthwatch found the ward structure was not appropriate for individuals with disabilities as many of the facilities were incorrectly designed. The majority of the patients spoken to spoke highly of the staff and the way they were cared for, although they did express desire for more therapy to speed up their return home.

The report provided 11 recommendations about improving signage, decor and communication. The Service Providers responded well to the recommendations. A further Enter and View visit by Healthwatch representatives was scheduled as a follow up.