Enter and View: The Phoenix Ward at Littlemore Mental Health Centre

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Summary of report content

Healthwatch Oxfordshire visited The Phoenix Ward at Littlemore Mental Health Centre, in Oxford, in February 2025. The Phoenix Ward is an acute inpatient mental health ward for male adults of working age. The visit formed part of a programme of visits to a range of services within Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust during 2024-25. Healthwatch Oxfordshire spoke to four patients and seven staff members during their visit.

Key findings

  • There were clear signs from the car park to the ward/main reception, and clear signage inside the building.
  • There was a range of information on display, including an electronic screen which showcased staff profiles and gave important information about the Mental Health Act, ensuring that patients and their visitors were informed about their rights and the legal framework surrounding mental health care.
  • The ward was clean throughout and the building was spacious with lots of natural light.
  • Facilities include an art activity room, kitchen, music room and gym. There was an outdoor space, and a therapeutic garden space.
  • Patients expressed appreciation for the interactions, care and support provided by staff. They gave positive feedback regarding the ward environment, cleanliness and efficiency of the services.
  • Patients valued the opportunities to give feedback, and the peer support which was available.
  • Staff said they felt supported in their career development and professional training, and valued the open and accessible management style.

Recommendations

In its report, Healthwatch Oxfordshire recommended that Oxford Health should:

  • Explore options to address the limited shower facilities in the ward.
  • Review transport options to address parking issues, and provide clear, up-to-date information on parking and public transport options for visitors.
  • Provide information on how to access interpreters, and translated materials for patients.
  • Refresh some of the older notice boards.
  • Ensure patients are aware they can ask for additional snacks and refreshments in between meals if hungry.
  • If not already addressed, explore opportunities to provide ‘quiet space’ for patients who find periods with high noise levels upsetting.

The report includes an email from the Ward Manager setting out how their plans for responding to the recommendations made. 

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General details

Local Healthwatch
Healthwatch Oxfordshire
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
Consent, choice, user involvement and being listened to
Food, nutrition and catering
Parking and transport
Patient/resident safety
Quality of treatment
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
Name of service provider
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

Details of people who shared their views

Number of people who shared their views
11
Types of disabilities
Mental health condition
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