Archived: Charles Ward at St Mark's Hospital

We visited the trust's headquarters to assess the improvements and did not, on this occasion, speak with patients as part of the review so cannot report what they said.

Patients were enjoying their lunchtime meal when we visited and confirmed that they were offered choices for each meal, that they could ask for something different if they change their mind and that enough staff were available to help them at mealtimes. They also confirmed that their food preferences and any religious or cultural food requirements were always honoured.

Patients we spoke with told us they felt that any complaint or concern they had would be listened to and acted upon. They gave examples of how they could make suggestions on any improvements that they thought could be made on the ward and felt that their suggestions would be listened to.

Patients we spoke with told us that they felt safe on the ward and all said they would speak to a member of staff if they did not feel safe. They told us that they felt the staff had the time to complete their care without rushing them and that staff were available when they needed them. They felt that the staff had the skills they needed when providing their care and treatment and all were complimentary about the staff on the ward. Comments received included: 'I must say the quality of nursing, information and care is top class', 'In everything they are ok. Good communication between staff' and 'So many different things they do well.'