Enter and view: Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (Trauma and Orthopaedics Ward)

In October 2017, Healthwatch Shropshire conducted an Enter and View visit to the Trauma and Orthopaedics Ward at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. The purpose of the visit was to find out whether patients are treated with dignity and respect and have privacy, plus whether staff respond appropriately to meet care needs, including preparation for discharge.

Three Enter and View representatives observed activity on the ward, as well as the environment, and engaged with 13 patients, 2 visiting relatives and 4 members of staff.

Most patients were complimentary about the care they received and Healthwatch observed many instances of excellent care being delivered. Most patients also felt well informed about their condition and discharge plan. Areas highlighted by participants and Healthwatch for improvement were that the ward is cramped, making it difficult for less mobile patients to safely navigate the space, and that sometimes induction to the ward lacked information.

Six recommendations were made to the ward staff and two recommendations were made to the Trust. Many of the recommendations centred around communication between staff and patients and making information available. It was also recommended that patients be encouraged to wear daytime clothing where possible. It was suggested that the Trust look at ways to make a confidential space available to patients and explore ways to address the lack of space on the ward.

The Hospital provided a detailed response to the report and have actioned or outlined plans to implement recommendations made, including the introduction of a ‘PJ Paralysis Champion’.