Enter and view: Ward B4, Ward B7, Amethyst Ward and Admission Unit, Diana Princess of Wales Hospital

Healthwatch North East Lincolnshire gather information on people’s experiences of health and social care services and there are times when it is appropriate for Healthwatch North East Lincolnshire to see and hear for themselves how services are being delivered: these visits are called ‘Enter and View’, they are not inspections.

Healthwatch North East Lincolnshire visted Ward B4, Ward B7, Amethyst Ward and Admission Unit, Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby on 3 June 2015.

The summary of findings highlighted areas in relation to patient feedback, staff feedback and observation. The report informs generally, patients were happy with their care and treatment and felt that their dignity was respected. Staff responses to call bells was generally good but two patients on Amethyst ward highlighted respective waits of 10 and 15 minutes. Nutritional needs appeared to be mainly met although this was not yet addressed with some newly admitted patients. Medical equipment left in corridor on B7 appears to present a safety hazard.

The report includes 2 recommendations which include review practice on Amethyst ward on response to call bells and see whether preliminary checks on urgency are made (when other patients may have priority). Investigate whether medical equipment in B7 corridor can be relocated to safe storage area.