Enter and view: Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Healthwatch Kingston upon Thames and Healthwatch Richmond gather information on people’s experiences of health and social care services and there are times when it is appropriate for Healthwatch Kingston upon Thames and Healthwatch Richmond to see and hear for themselves how services are being delivered: these visits are called ‘Enter and View’, they are not inspections.

Healthwatch Kingston upon Thames and Healthwatch Richmond visited Blyth Ward, Bronte Ward, Hamble Ward, Hardy Ward and Keats Ward between 24/11/2015 to 02/01/2015.

The summary of findings highlighted areas in relation to patient feedback, staff feedback and observation.

Healthwatch Kingston upon Thames and Healthwatch Richmond made 7 recommendations in relation to; Consider simplifying choice on menu cards and introducing fortnightly cycle. Introduce wider range of wholemeal foods for vegetarians. Ensure all patients are aware they can have hot drinks whenever they want. Ensure that the full next of kin/patient representative information is accessible to staff at all points on a patient’s journey, by modifying the formatting of the information on the IT system. Ensure there is a room available for private discussions. Inform/reassure elderly, vulnerable patients as early as possible about carers/help at home schemes upon discharge. Liaise with local aphasia charity Dyscover to distribute leaflets for stroke patients.