Enter and view: University Hospital of North Tees, Ward 24

Healthwatch Hartlepool conducted an Enter and View visit in November 2018 of the Respiratory Medicine Ward in University Hospital of North Tees. Observations and interviews were used to gather feedback from 5 staff members and 18 patients.

Observations made by the Enter and View representatives included that the ward environment was untidy and facilities were unclean such as showers and toilets.

Patients reported that the food was good but was not hot and that water jugs were available and regularly topped up. There was mixed feedback regarding privacy and dignity as patients reported that staff were very busy and not always offering a quick response. However, the majority of patients stated that they were happy with their overall care and treatment. Patients reported that the ward was generally clean but the majority stated that bathroom facilities were unclean.

Staff reported that staffing levels and morale were low due to a change in management. They told the Healthwatch representatives that the ward is extremely busy and they experience a large volume of work pressure. The training opportunities are on-going and carried out as required.

Healthwatch Hartlepool have made a number of recommendations including that the corridors and utility rooms need to be tidied and the hygiene and cleaning of bathroom facilities must be urgently addressed with regular checking and signing of the check sheets. The service provider provided a response to the recommendations and has answered the questions posed by the Enter and View Representatives. An action plan has been suggested.