Enter and view: The Whiteleaf Centre Opal Ward
Download (PDF 487.21 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Bucks undertook an enter and view visit to Opal Ward, an inpatient mental health ward,on 18 June 2024. They heard from six patients and two members of staff about their experiences on the ward. They also spoke to two staff on the nursing team about Safeguarding Procedures.
Key findings
Five out six patients said that they felt safe on the ward and were satisfied with the care that they received
Bedrooms did not have Oxevision – this is an infrared-sensitive camera that allows staff to confirm a patient is safe and measure their pulse and breathing rate without disturbing their sleep
Three out of six patients said that they were involved in decision-making about their care, two said that they were not involved, and one was not sure
There was a good selection of activities for patients including crafts, gardening, cooking, physical exercise mindfulness/relaxation as well as a weekly communion service for spiritual worship. However, one patient could not access the onsite gym (outside the ward) as they were told that there was low staff availability for supervised sessions. The Activity Schedule that was on display was listed for May instead of June
Communal areas were clean and well ventilated. There was open access to the outside garden
Information posters throughout the ward and some signage needed updating
There was a lot of promotion for healthy lifestyles including smoking and quality improvement in Tobacco Treatment (QUITT), vaping facts and healthy eating/calorie counters. Healthwatch were told that patients had made a fruit salad that day and were growing strawberries and vegetables in the patio garden
There were posters about ‘Have Your Say’ with times of weekly meetings. However, there was no information about feedback, for example ‘You said, we did’. Patients can leave feedback in a confidential comments box. This box was on the wall outside the dining area. It was not highly visible – there was no signage around it.
The report contains seven recommendations and a response from the provider.