Enter and view: The Redwoods, Birch Ward.
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Healthwatch Shropshire conducted an Enter and View on the Birch ward of The Redwoods on 17th August 2017. The Birch ward is a 16 bed mixed sex unit that acts as a 'stepdown' facility from 2 acute wards preparing people to return home. The visit was arranged at the request of Shropshire CCG and Telford and Wrekin CCG to understand the patient experience of being on a mixed sex ward.
Observations and discussions with patients and staff by the Enter and View representatives found that:
Environment: each patient had their own bedroom with en-suite facilities and accessed via a personalised wrist fob. The ward and bedrooms were modern with a clean, bright and colourful environment. Patients said that they felt safe in their bedrooms and on the ward.
Experience of mixed sex ward: None of the patients spoken to raised any concerns about being on a mixed sex ward. Some people found it a positive experience, “I feel safe – no problems and I do not have any issues being in a mixed sex ward.” and “Being in a mixed sex ward encourages me to be tidy and personally well presented”.
Personal care: Patients were very clear that they found staff members kind, caring and supportive. Comments included: “It could not be any better – the staff are always there when I need them” “I am listened to” and “I am treated as an individual”. The overall impression was that patients benefited from there being a strong professional team on Birch ward that worked well in a patient-focussed way.
The report made a few recommendations as there was some concern about the availability of food and drink at night and he positioning of the therapeutic centre in another building. The provider gave a full response to the issues raised.