Enter and view: Moorfields Eye Clinic, Bedford

Healthwatch Bedford Borough conducted an announced Enter and View visit to Moorfields Eye Clinic at Bedford Hospital on 11 February 2015. The visit consisted of engagements with patients, relatives/carers and staff members and observations of interactions. The team did not visit the service delivery area. The purpose of the visit was to gather information based on the ’15 Steps Challenge’; where the first impressions of the ward count towards the nature and quality of the service.

The patients were complimentary about the level of care they received, and the team observed good communication and support from staff. The physical environment was a cause of concern for the team. Space was considered very limited, particularly for wheelchair users and those with mobility difficulties. Additional space in the form of a portacabin outside the main building was used, however, the team considered the space inappropriate in terms of access and quality of care. Staff recognised the nature of the environment and introduced the ‘sticker scheme- helping hands’ to support people through the clinic with reduced stress; something the team found useful.

The report made a number of recommendations to improve the physical environment of the clinic. No response from the provider has been made available.