Enter & View: RecoveryHub@NorthWestLeeds

Healthwatch Leeds carried out an announced Enter and View visit to the RecoveryHub@NorthWestLeeds on 13 February 2024. The visit was undertaken as part of a planned series of visits to care settings in Leeds and had been prompted by feedback they had received from Leeds City Council, and members of the public. They spoke to 22 people.

While the majority of respondents found all or most of the staff to be caring, there were some people saying that not all staff were welcoming and friendly. Most respondents said they or their relative felt safe at the recovery hub and reported being treated with respect by staff. However, a minority expressed concerns about staff attitude and that their privacy was not always respected.

Two thirds of people who were able to answer the question said that care met their needs. Examples given of unmet needs were lack of understanding of dementia, not being showered until prompted by a family member and lack of stimulation.

Responses regarding choice in daily routines were mixed, with some feeling that they had little control over aspects of their routines such as the time they got up and went to bed, and whether they had a bath or shower. Some people felt that there wasn’t enough encouragement to do things independently, which is particularly significant considering the rehabilitation nature of the setting.

There was a mixed response as to whether people had been asked about their cultural needs and preferences, with only a third confirming that they had.

Only half of the respondents said they received support from physiotherapists or occupational therapists, and some expressed that they felt more physiotherapy was needed. Many respondents were unsure what the next steps were after receiving care at the recovery hub.

Only a third of respondents said they knew who to approach with concerns or complaints.

The recovery hub was generally clean and well-maintained with spacious rooms.

The report includes recommendations on care plans, meeting people's individual care needs, ensuring there are systems in place to document and meet people's religious and cultural needs, staff attitudes and making patients and relatives aware of the manager and key staff.