Enter and view: Cherrybrook Ward, Little Brook Hospital

Healthwatch Kent undertook an announced enter and view visit to Cherrywood Ward, Little Brook Hospital on 18 November 2025.  They spoke to 11 people.

The majority of service users and all members of staff spoken to were pleased with the refurbishment and the new open plan design of Cherrywood Ward. They felt that it encouraged more socialisation between service users and the only disadvantage was that difficult situations could be harder to contain. The feeling of light and space engenders positivity for most people. The smaller rooms, such as the quiet room and female lounge seemed bare and unfinished. 

The refurbished rooms were generally praised, however the new shower rooms with automatic taps presented some problems. Not having anywhere to put clothing/towels during showering creates issues with privacy. 

The open plan layout enables OT to take place on the ward and this creates interest, encourages participation and alleviates boredom even for those not taking part. Some service users seemed unaware of activities outside the ward, for example the gym. OT is still only available from Monday-Friday until 4 pm, however the new staffing regime from Spring 2016 should allow for weekend and evening organised OT activities. 

The outdoor space/courtyard is not well used and is badly in need of renovation. 

All service users, apart from one, were positive about the food.

 The staff and the care provided were generally praised, although some comments were made about delays in providing towels and nicotine substitutes. There is a comprehensive Welcome Pack but service users seemed unaware of it. 

The non-smoking policy does create tensions and issues for both staff and service users. 

 Staffing levels still impact on Section 17 leave. This is exacerbated by the need for 1:1 supervision for some service users.

Compared with the previous Enter & View visit in June/July 2014, the distance travelled by visitors was not reported by the patients as an issue. Three were from Medway, and although they mentioned the distance travelled, no-one complained that it had prevented visitors from coming. Only one of the seven patients said that she was not expecting to have any visitors.  The Ward Manager reported that visiting is still problematic for some people, but the staff do try to support by contacting voluntary services for volunteer drivers. 

Although Skype is available on the ward laptop, it had not been widely used. Some patients were unaware of its availability, others felt it lacked privacy because staff were present.