Enter and view: The Renal Satellite Unit, Stafford County Hospital

Healthwatch Staffordshire undertook an enter and view visit to the UHNM Renal Satellite Unit at the Stafford County Hospital on 10 April 2024 because they'd heard that some patients had problems with non-emergency patient transport.

The unit has a clean and modern environment. The reception area in the Renal unit had ample seating, including high-back chairs with arms. The notice board provided plenty of information and leaflets, while the ward clerk was friendly and welcoming. Healthwatch noticed a ballot box on the counter for the North Staffs and South Cheshire Kidney Patient rep NSSCKPA to gather feedback. 

The cleanliness of the unit continued into the treatment area, where patients were offered drinks and snacks. Patients who preferred to bring their own food were accommodated. Each patient bay had its own TV/radio to help pass the time, with curtains for privacy and a few rooms available for treatment if needed. 

The ladies' toilets were also clean, with handwashing facilities. While the unit is a distance away from the main entrance, there are volunteers on site who can escort patients to the facility if needed. 

Patients who arrived in their own vehicles notified Healthwatch that allocated parking bays were located directly behind the unit, and they had no issues with parking. However, Healthwatch did not see the designated bays and were unable to comment on whether they were suitable for disabled parking. Nevertheless, there were some bays allocated for this purpose on-site. Patients who arrived via non-emergency transport were brought directly to the unit by the crew. The majority of negative feedback  received was about the organisation of non-emergency transport, with some patients expressing that renal patients used to receive priority.

During Healthwatch's visit to the Dialysis Unit at County Hospital, the Healthwatch team had a primarily positive experience. The staff, patients, and managers demonstrated significant progress in the service. The staff team showed a great understanding of what was necessary to support patients and work together effectively