Enter and View: Adult Inpatient, Ward 4 Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Healthwatch Greenwich undertook an unannounced enter and view visit to Ward 4 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in April 2025.  They spoke to 14 people.

Ward 4 is an acute cardiology ward with 24 designated beds, plus two additional beds located within patient bays rather than in corridors, bringing the total to 26 beds. It primarily admits patients through A&E or after elective procedures in the catheterisation lab (where tests and treatments on the heart and blood vessels are carried out), if patients are not well enough to return home the same day. The ward also has an 8-bed Coronary Care Unit (CCU) for patients who need closer monitoring due to more serious heart conditions. These patients are continuously monitored using special equipment (telemetry) that tracks their heart activity in real time.

During our visit, Healthwatch observed a calm, clean, and well-organised environment. Staff were visible, responsive, and worked as a cohesive, dedicated team. Patients consistently praised the care, describing staff as kind, knowledgeable, and respectful. Most said they felt safe, well cared for, and informed about their treatment. 

Hospital food received positive feedback from most patients for both taste and portion size, and many were satisfied with the meals provided. However, patients with special dietary needs identified a need for a wider range of options.

While overall feedback from patients, visitors, and staff was positive, there were areas for improvement including noise at night, and less than optimal communication as a result of delays in receiving test results. Clearer information and signage about how to raise a complaint, better access to translation support, and smoother discharge and patient flow processes would improve patient experience.