Enter and view: Airedale NHS Foundation Trust; Ward One, elderly care
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Healthwatch Bradford and District conducted an announced Enter and View to Ward One, Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, on 19 August 2013 in response to feedback from local people about the care of older people with a cognitive impairment on this ward.
Prior to the visit the Healthwatch Bradford and District Authorised Representatives had received information on the dementia awareness training and the Butterfly Scheme adopted by the trust. Ward One is a mixed ward with a total of 30 beds with the left wing being for male patients and the right for female patients. It is a general ward for older people with a variety of medical conditions requiring hospital care and treatment. Many have cognitive problems, including dementia, as well as physical care needs, with the average age being over 80, and a few patients being over the age of 100. All patients over the age of 75 are assessed for cognitive impairments.
The report notes that staff on the ward are aware that this is not the most suitable physical environment for these patients, due to the narrow corridors and shiny floors etc. The Trust has been awarded funding to refurbish this ward, to make it a better environment for people living with dementia.
Comments from patients and relatives were, on the whole, complimentary of the care they received on the ward, and the visiting team agreed and made recommendations to further enhance the level of care being provided:
The Authorised Representatives reported that, while the Butterfly symbol is in patient notes, it might be useful to find a way of making the symbol more visible, instead of having to open the patient notes. They suggested a magnetic butterfly placed at the end of the bed would be more visible to all staff (e.g. porters, cleaners) and felt it was important that all staff could see at first glance, and be aware, that the patient has a cognitive impairment and therefore might have additional needs.
There were also recommendations relating to communication with patients, especially those whose first language is not English, and involving carers and relatives in the discharge conversations and plans.
There is no response from the provider included in this report.