Focus on Frank Lloyd Unit, Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital

Healthwatch Kent were invited to the Frank Lloyd Unit at Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital. The unit supports adults with dementia and challenging behaviour who cannot be cared for in a nursing home. The aim of the visit was to talk to carers of loved ones in the unit about their experiences with the Frank Lloyd unit. Five carers gave their feedback in the focus group.

Carers reported that the caring staff at the unit were friendly and approachable. The quality of care offered to their relatives was of high standard but did decline when there was a lack of staff. The carers reported that they were involved in their relatives' care planning. It was questioned why the unit was not better used as there was capacity for 40 patients but only 10 beds were occupied. There was concern that the unit would close but the official confirmation had not been provided despite requests to the Trust.

Healthwatch Kent has shared this report with the Frank Lloyd unit and have asked commissioners to provide clarity to patients and their families about the future of the service.