Enter and view: Oxford Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre at Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre

Healthwatch Oxfordshire undertook an Enter and View visit of the Oxford Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre at Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre on 6 June 2023. During the visit, they spoke to 13 patients and 19 members of staff. The visit was part of a number of visits to a range of services within Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The purpose of the visit was to observe how the facility operates and provides its services, to collect views from patients and staff on services, and to identify best practice and highlight any areas of concern.

Overall, patients were hugely appreciative of the support and care they received at the centre. Many had been coming to the Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre for many years on a regular basis. They praised and thanked the staff team. Patients felt that the information and support they received about their treatment and care was good.

Patients stated that the building was nice, and that they did not feel afraid to ask for things. However, patients also said that they would like more refreshment facilities and that there was a gap in the available information around guidance on care and treatment for head injuries for those on warfarin.

Staff were positive about their work in The Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, and especially valued the patient, family and carer interactions and care. However, they mentioned it was difficult to maintain and develop the inpatient safety role due to supporting areas that are short staffed, although they were aware that the centre is actively recruiting and training staff.

The report has made several recommendations, including improvements to information available to patients, creating a more child-friendly waiting area, and providing snacks and drinks to patients who are waiting. The report includes the response of the service to the recommendations.