Enter and view: The Radbourne Unit

Healthwatch Derbyshire undertook an Enter and View visit to the Radbourne Unit at the Royal Derby Hospital on 4 February 2020 as part of a programme of visits to in-patient mental health wards.  They spoke to 7 patients and 12 staff.

The report considers the location and external environment of the unit initial impressions, facilities for visitors and their involvement with their loved ones’ care, the décor and furnishing of the unit, cleanliness and hygiene, how the design meets the needs of patients, interaction between staff and patients, patients’ physical, social and mental welfare. The report also records instances of good practice observed on the different wards that make up the unit. In all wards of the unit, Healthwatch Derbyshire noted positive, caring interactions between patients and staff, regular carer group meetings and the display of ‘you said, we did’ or equivalent information.

There were 16 recommendations in the report covering car parking, signage, visiting, improving the décor and facilities, information to patients and their families and access to clergy for patients.

The report includes a response from the provider outlining the changes made or being planned in response to the recommendations.