Enter and view: Dickens Ward, The Harbour

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Summary of report content

Healthwatch Blackpool undertook an announced enter and view visit to Dickens Ward, The Harbour on 8 May 2026.  They spoke to 4 people.

Patients engaged positively with the Healthwatch representatives and both feedback and observations reflected a high level of satisfaction with the care provided. Patients and relatives consistently spoke highly of the staff and expressed appreciation for the support, compassion, and care they receive. 

Based on the overall experience and feedback gathered, Healthwatch Blackpool identified several recommendations for improvement. These included strengthening oral health awareness and supporting the maintenance of good oral hygiene among all patients. It is also recommended that a wider range of feedback methods be used for both patients and relatives to ensure feedback is captured in a more accurate, inclusive, and representative manner. It would be important to look at the role of peer facilitator as it would bring enhanced lived experience, trust, and community connection to the ward. 

Overall, Dickens Ward can celebrate the many positives which are outlined in this report with a few improvements recommended. Healthwatch Blackpool would like to thank staff and patients for accommodating our visit and for taking the time to talk with the team.

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General details

Local Healthwatch
Healthwatch Blackpool
Publication date
Date evidence capture began
Date evidence capture finished
Key themes
Building, Decor and Facilities, including health and safety
Caring, kindness, respect and dignity
Cleanliness, Hygiene and Infection Control
Communication with patients; treatment explanation; verbal advice
Consent, choice, user involvement and being listened to
Food, nutrition and catering
Lifestyle and wellbeing; wider determinants of health
Medication, prescriptions and dispensing
Patient/resident safety
Public consultation and engagement
Service organisation, delivery, change and closure
Staffing - levels and training
Written information, guidance and publicity

Methodology and approach

Was the work undertaken in partnership with another organisation?
No
Primary research method used
Observation (eg Enter and View)
If an Enter and View methodology was applied, was the visit announced or unannounced?
Announced

Details of health and care services included in the report

Details of health and care services included in the report
Hospital-based psychiatric care

Details of people who shared their views

Number of people who shared their views
4
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