Archived: Bootham Park Hospital

We spoke with patients and staff about how patients were involved in making choices about their care and treatment and how they consented to it. Patients told us they understood why they were in hospital and staff explained about their treatment 'All of the time' and staff 'tell us what is happening'. Examples of what patients said were, 'I am always asked if I want to do something, the staff will say we think it's good for you but it's your choice.' Another said 'There are regular reviews of my care and I am always asked if I want to be involved.'

The provider did not have an effective system in place to identify, assess and manage risks to the health, safety and welfare of patients and others.

Patients also confirmed that they were encouraged to attend weekly multi- disciplinary meetings and they were asked for their views during these meetings.

On the ward we saw staff explained their actions and sought their agreement when they provided patients with support and care. One patient when asked if they had a care plan, told 'Yes, but I haven't seen it recently' and it contained information about, 'Help at home and medication'.

We spoke with five patients on ward two, one patient on ward one and three patients on the ward who were over the age of 65. On ward one everyone told us they were satisfied with the care, support and treatment they had received. They made complimentary comments such as, 'I can't fault it', 'Much better than the last hospital', 'Really good here'. They said the staff provided them with support when they needed it and staff went beyond what was expected.

They told us the 'Staff motivate you; they are always asking how you are feeling.' Another patient said, 'The staff put their trust in you and it makes you feel good.' Someone else said, 'The attitude of the staff is brilliant, they've all got their own style.' and 'You can tell they want to work here'.

On the over 65 ward, we were told the staff were 'Caring' and 'I feel safe'. Another patient when asked if they felt cared for said 'Yes absolutely'.

Patients told us they felt safe at Bootham Park Hospital; However we found patients who used the service, staff and visitors were not protected against the risks of unsafe or unsuitable premises. Also some patient's care records were inaccurate and unfit for purpose which meant some patients were not protected from the risks of unsafe or inappropriate care and treatment.