Archived: Spire Fylde Coast Hospital

The registered manager was away from the hospital on the day we inspected. However other senior staff were available and able to provide the information we needed. We talked with five inpatients, six outpatients and four relatives. We also spoke with managers, nursing, care, reception and catering staff.

We observed patients being treated with respect and dignity. Patients told us that the staff were excellent and that they received care and support when they wanted it. A patient said, "The staff are fantastic and have great communication skills. They are very respectful and caring.' A relative told us, 'The staff go the extra mile here, such as with the food and linen and the little things that make such an awful time as pleasant as possible.'

Patients spoken with told us that they had received good care and treatment from the staff at Spire Fylde hospital. One patient said, 'I am very grateful to them. I am without pain for the first time in many months, thanks to this place.' We saw that patients were involved in decisions about their care and given enough information to make informed choices. We saw satisfactory numbers of staff on the inspection to respond to people's needs.

Care and treatment records were in place and of a satisfactory standard. They were informative and reviewed regularly so that staff were aware of each patient's care needs.

All involved in a patient's care knew about their nutritional needs. We observed the lunch time meal. The meals were well presented and taken to patients quickly so they were still hot and tasty.

The hospital was safe, suitable for purpose and accessible to people with mobility difficulties. It was comfortable and pleasantly warm for patients.

Systems were in place for monitoring the quality of the service people received. Patients and their relatives were asked about their views of the care and treatment provided. We saw that patient comments were collated and acted upon in an open and transparent way.

There was an effective complaints system in place which showed patients what to do if they had any complaints. Any comments and complaints that people made were responded to appropriately. One patient told us, 'I have nothing but praise for the staff but I know how to complain if I needed to.'

Patients told us that staff were kind and caring. One patient said, 'The staff are excellent, in fact the experience here has been fantastic.' Another patient told us, 'I have felt safe and well looked after. The staff can't do enough for you'

Thorough procedures were in place to ensure that equipment was safe and maintained. Staff training and support were in place which provided staff with the skills and knowledge to provide good care. There was an effective complaints system in place. People knew how to complain if they were unhappy with the care and treatment they received.