Enter and view: Wessex Ward, Bridgwater
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Healthwatch Somerset carried out an enter and view visit to Wessex Ward in Bridgwater on 28 April 2016 to understand patients’ experiences of the inpatient mental health service for young people and identify examples of good practice. Wessex Ward provides assessment, care and treatment for up to 12 young people with complex mental health needs. During the visit, Healthwatch spoke with four patients, the ward manager, staff members and two nursing students.
The visit found the ward to be clean, modern and welcoming, with facilities designed to support recovery and independence. Patients described staff as kind, and Healthwatch observed positive and respectful interactions throughout the ward. Young people had opportunities to be involved in decisions about their care through daily community meetings, weekly review meetings and suggestion boxes. A wide range of activities were available, including yoga, pottery, mindfulness, gym sessions, educational activities and therapeutic support such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
Healthwatch identified several challenges affecting patients’ experiences. Some young people had been placed far from home, with long travel times making it difficult to maintain family and social connections. Patients also highlighted frustrations with restrictions on internet and social media access, which they felt increased isolation from friends and family. Staff reported difficulties linked to a longstanding vacant social worker post, while concerns were raised about the continuity of specialist therapy after discharge and the amount of administrative work required because of national commissioning arrangements.
Healthwatch concluded that Wessex Ward provided a supportive and suitable care environment with many examples of good practice. Recommendations focused on improving access to advocacy information designed for young people, recruiting to the vacant social worker post, enhancing nutritional options, reviewing internet access arrangements, improving educational support, and addressing wider issues affecting young people placed long distances from their home communities.