Enter and view: Ward 6D Calderdale Royal Hospital

Healthwatch Calderdale conducted a ‘semi-announced’ enter and view visit to Ward 6D at Calderdale Royal Hospital on 7 December 2015. The ward, which is the acute stroke care unit, was visited by the team following negative feedback from patients, but to also identify areas of good practice. The ward was made aware that the team would be visiting that month, but were not provided a date for the visit. The team engaged with 2 patients, 9 members of staff and 8 relatives using interview methods. Observations of the environment and accessibility were used to inform the report.

The feedback received on the day of the visit was varied. Patients and relatives were positive about their care and treatment on the ward. Staff received positive feedback; some patients and relatives had very high praise for their attitude and commitment. The ward was one nurse down on the day of the visit, however, the team found staff frequently interacting with patients. Although there were numerous noticeboards throughout the ward, relatives reported that there was a lack of clarity about how to contact the consultant in charge of their relatives’ care and ‘who is who’ on the ward.

The team made recommendations following their visit. It was suggested that a notice board, detailing photos and roles of staff, be presented in the relatives/visitors waiting room and for staff to wear a name badge that are easier to read with larger font. To implement a straightforward process to give relatives direct access to the consultant in charge, for fold up chairs to be provided for visitors and to ensure that a full complement of staff on ward at all times should be a Trust priority. To ensure that the PALS and Carer packs are available on the corridor and the relative/visitor room.

No response from the service provider was included in the report.