Inpatient Care Report - St Helier & Epsom Hospitals

Healthwatch Sutton carried out a survey, gathering the views of patients, in wards, at St Helier and at

Epsom Hospitals, between June and July 2016. This included 173 patients surveys, 6 carers surveys

and 21 Observation Sheets were conducted. The service provider was Epsom and St Helier

University Hospitals NHS Trust

This work was done as part of an engagement programme on inpatient care. The overall experience

of staying on the ward was good. 89% of patients felt that nurses were trusted, and 91% felt that

doctors were trusted. The ward was described as very clean. Noise at night was a major issue

reported by patients. Staffing levels was not consistent, with some patients finding it insufficient

sometimes. Meals choice was limited to accommodate dietary requirements such as diabetes. The

cost of having access to entertainment, such as TV, was expensive.

The report made the following recommendations:

1. Individual wards should respond to these reports with any action that they will take in

response to their ward report.

2. Investigate effective ways of alleviating both noise and light issues on wards that impact on

patient’s rest/sleep.

3. St Helier wards should look at any real/perceived deficit in nurse staffing levels to reassure

patients

4. full data should be shared with Mitie and that Mitie respond with any action/feedback in

relation to the food provided to patients.

5. Investigate potential ways to improve English communication between nurses and patients

6. Look at ways to reduce incidents of nurses speaking in front of patients potentially through

awareness/training.

7. Assess any ways to reduce the cost of TV for patients and cover areas where TV is not

available.