Hearing the views of patients, families and staff on pilot rehabilitation scheme

Healthwatch Wiltshire undertook  a survey that aimed to gather the views of patients, staff, families and carers on a pilot scheme for hospital discharge and accelerated rehabilitation, known as the Pathway 2 pilot. It was carried out in October 2022 involving face to face interviews with patients and staff at Little Manor Care Centre, Salisbury, who had given their consent to participate. Families and carers were also invited to give their views by completing a questionnaire. They were asked by Wiltshire Council to carry out an engagement exercise to hear the views of patients, staff, families, carers and health and social care professionals from their different perspectives of the pilot model of care and rehabilitation.  

Most patients had not been prepared by the hospital for their arrival at Little Manor. They had no understanding of their destination, the reason they were there, or how long they would be there. Many were distressed and confused and it took considerable time for them to be reassured.

Patients felt involved and supported in their rehabilitation and appreciated the staff and care setting. Key to the model’s success is accepting patients who meet the Pathway 2 criteria as they are able to take full advantage of the therapy provided, make a more rapid recovery and leave within 28 days. Brokerage teams (who find care home beds for people who are ready to leave hospital) need to better understand the importance of patients correctly meeting the eligibility criteria and the capacity of Little Manor. Most staff felt that Pathway 2 was a different way of working but were comfortable with this and felt that the multidisciplinary approach improved outcomes for Pathway 2 patients.

 A multidisciplinary team working together on one site makes a huge difference; saving time, enabling a more informed picture of the patient and their needs and a better service. Having social workers on site helps to identify the care packages patients’ needs much earlier, reducing delays to the patient’s return home. Experience of the Pathway 2 pilot has been positive to date.

Overall, patients, staff and the families and carers who gave their views were very positive about the benefits of the Pathway 2 pilot model being trialled at Little Manor. But improvements could be made around referrals and better information is needed for patients on their discharge from hospital and for them to understand why they have been sent to a care home for rehabilitation.