Enter and view: Ward 29 Acute Orthopaedic Trauma Unit, Royal Shrewsbury Hospital

Healthwatch Shropshire undertook an announced/unannounced enter and view visit to Ward 29 Acute Orthopaedic Trauma Unit at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital on 12 January 2023.  They wanted to see how the service was being delivered and to engage with patients and their visitors about their experiences of communication, nutrition and hydration whilst on Ward 29.  They spoke to 7 patients, 5 visitors and 4 staff.

Key findings:

Ward 29 is a large Ward where staff were busy during the visit but the Ward felt calm.

• Patients said that staff have time to talk and get to know them.
• Patients told Healthwatch about the ‘very good’ care on the Ward, said they were ‘impressed’ and that they ‘couldn’t fault the treatment.’
•  Some visitors told Healthwatch that information on the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) would be helpful as they hadn’t known about this service.
• The male bay has no windows so it has an oppressive feel which patients commented on.
• Patients’ opinions on the food were split with some enjoying it and some not happy with it. Two patients wanted more fresh foods such as salad.
• Healthwatch was told that patients were offered enough drinks throughout the day.
• Patients felt  it was difficult to sleep on the ward mainly due to the noise from other patients.
• Four patients and visitors said communication was good. One visitor said that staff were always changing so they didn’t know who to go to and two commented that they always have to ask as information isn’t given willingly.
• Staff had access to lots of training courses, felt listened to within their roles and usually had the time to chat with patients.

The report contains four recommendations about information about PALS, improving the environment, information to patients and visitors and access to fresh food.

The report includes a response from the provider outlining their proposed action to address the recommendations.