Archived: Nurse Led Therapy Unit

The registered manager was away from the unit on the day we inspected. However other senior staff were able to provide the information we needed. We talked with five people staying in the unit and with the relatives of three people. We also spoke with managers, nursing, care, reception and catering staff.

Patients told us that the staff were excellent and that they received care and support when they wanted it. One person said, "The staff are marvellous. They are always cheerful and willing'. A relative told us, 'The staff are so caring and supportive. They are able to manage things so well.'

Patients spoken with told us that they received very good care and treatment. We observed patients being treated with respect and dignity. We saw that they 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 plans were in place and of a satisfactory standard. They were person centred, informative and reviewed regularly.

We saw staff assisting people with their meals as needed. They were attentive and supported people effectively. The meal time was relaxed and unhurried and people chatted together. Most people we spoke with told us they enjoyed the food in the unit. They told us they always received enough to eat.

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

Staff received training which assisted them to support people effectively. They felt that senior staff helped them to improve their skills and keep up to date on current care practices.

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.

Patients using the service told us they were getting the care and support they wanted. They said they had their needs assessed before deciding to transfer to the unit. They said they were able to discuss the care and support they wanted and needed with the different professionals based at the unit.

Patients told us they could take responsibility in meeting their health care needs. A person said, 'I look after my own medication but staff keep the key to the cabinet as I am a bit forgetful'.

Patients said the staff team were very good and described them as kind and friendly. People said that staff were very attentive and responded to their requests for help or questions about their treatment, which was balanced safely against their rehabilitation.

Patients using the service told us they were supported to have the treatment they wanted at a pace that suited their recovery. They said they had meetings with the professionals involved in their care where they could discuss treatment and progress.