Enter and view: Queen Elizabeth House

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

Healthwatch Wakefield visited Queen Elizabeth House on 20th January 2015.

The summary of findings highlighted areas in relation to patient feedback, staff feedback and observation. At the time of Healthwatch Wakefield visit, the evidence is that there were no significant concerns around the safety, dignity and care of patients. Most of the patients seemed to know why they were there and were happy overall with the service but were bored and wanted to get home. Those who could occupy themselves, e.g. with reading, seemed to be upbeat. Most patients either knew when they were going home or why they weren’t able to go home yet (i.e. things being put in place at home, or treatment not yet finished). Most people reported that they were able to get help when they needed it. Only one person reported this not happening on one occasion. The majority of patients said that staff attitudes were good, and they felt well looked after. One person said that this sometimes wasn’t the case.

The visiting team did not feel it necessary to include any recommendations in this report, as Healthwatch Wakefield are aware that the Trust and the Queen Elizabeth House managers are taking forward actions in response to the serious complaint that led to this unannounced visit.