Salisbury District Hospital: A snapshot of patient experiences

Healthwatch Wiltshire investigated patient experiences of Salisbury District Hospital. Interviews were conducted with 24 patients visiting the Hospital Cafe, which collected views on the process of being discharged from Hospital and of treatment and care at the hospital more generally. 

Patients reported that their experience of hospital discharge were positive with plans clearly explained, information provided and arrangements planned. However, two relatives said that they felt their loved one's discharge was rushed and said that this meant that the person had to be readmitted. Patients felt that staff were helpful and kind. Relatives and patients were happy with the provision of a family room in the intensive care unit. A number of people suggested some improvements for the hospital. These included that the breast clinic signage was hard to find and that staff were often rushed on the wards. 

Healthwatch Wiltshire recommended that the hospital should review the signage to the breast clinic, evaluate recent readmissions to prevent future readmissions, look at ways to improve the consistency of information given to patients and their families about the plans for discharge, and to inform patients and their families of preventative actions that have been put in place following situations where things have gone wrong.

The service provider responded positively with an action plan to address the recommendations made in the report.