Enter and view: Magnolia Unit

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

Healthwatch Enfield visited Magnolia Unit, St Michael’s Site on 11/03/2016.

The summary of findings highlighted areas in relation to patient feedback, staff feedback and observation. Healthwatch Enfield gained a positive impression of Magnolia Unit overall. The service appears to be well-led and managed and staff told us they found the work satisfying and fulfilling. Most of the patients and family carers who spoke to us said they thought the care and treatment was good, although we did hear of some exceptions. The manager responds promptly when any concerns are raised with him and takes action to ensure that the team learns from any reported instances of poor care. Clinical care and therapeutic treatments appear to be of a high standard, but we believe that more attention should be given to ensuring that patients’ emotional needs are met, in addition to their physical needs. Healthwatch Enfield found that several patients were bored, as there are very few activities available.

Healthwatch Enfield recommend that a determined effort is made to increase the number and range of activities, and suggest that volunteers could play a valuable role in this respect. Healthwatch Enfield have been very impressed by the positive and constructive way the management and team at Magnolia Unit have responded to the various issues and concerns they brought to their attention, both during and after our visit, and believe this demonstrates that there is good leadership and a culture of continuous learning in this service.