Enter and view: Stowe Ward at St Andrews Healthcare

Healthwatch Northamptonshire undertook an Enter and View visit to Stowe Ward at St Andrews Healthcare on 3 September 2019. St Andrew’s Healthcare is a charity providing specialist mental health care based in Northampton. It provides a service for approximately six hundred patients. Stow Ward is a Women’s Medium Secure Unit.

Findings

Its landscape is both scenic and well maintained, appearing rehabilitative in nature.

The ward appeared well-organised, calm and generally positive in regard to patient care and safety. The Unit was clean and spacious, as were the patient bedrooms. The facilities cater well for the needs of the patient.

There were measures in place for those with more complex needs and/or those needing a higher level of supervision.

 On the day of the visit, the staff to patient ratio was good. The staff seem dedicated to their professional roles, which offer highly personalised support, with a multidisciplinary team available to meet the patients’ needs holistically.

Staff informed Healthwatch that clinicians involve patients in the planning of their care and engagement in therapies and treatment. Patients’ views are considered and care is (reasonably) adjusted to meet identified needs.

Healthwatch were shown a programme of activities, where patients were encouraged to independently plan their week in advance. It was clear that patients could engage in creative activities, as evidence of their work was clearly displayed.

Food and mealtimes were welcomed by the patients. There was a variety of choice and each patient was able to make their own individual selection.

Recommendations

There were 4 recommendations in relation to the posters displayed, the need to repair equipment, encouraging patients to take part in activities and that the provider could develop peer support.   

The report contains a response from the provider outlining action taken in response to the recommendations.