Archived: St Austell Community Hospital

We spent time on the wards and talked with five patients who were receiving treatment and one visitor. The patients were all positive about the care they had received. Comments made included; 'Staff are lovely and treat us with respect at all times'. Visitors told us they were happy with the treatment and attention their relatives had received.

Patients told us the staff always asked for their consent before providing care and treatment. One person said the staff had explained their treatment to them fully and in a way that was clear and understandable. One patient told us she thought the nurses were "lovely", and 'they [nurses] spent time explaining my treatment and you could ask any questions'.

Staff said they thought there were sufficient staff employed and on duty to meet the needs of the patients, and told us there were no staff vacancies on the wards. We spoke with five members of staff, and they told us they had good training opportunities and enjoyed working at the hospital.

Staff told us they felt well supported by the senior staff and matron. They told us the matron was always available to them and approachable.

Patients and visitors told us the food was of a good standard and choices were available.

We found patients were protected against the risk of abuse. We saw complaints were promptly addressed and resolved.

We observed that patients were offered choices and that their preferences, likes and dislikes were respected. For example, during the lunchtime meal of the day.

Attention was paid to patients privacy and dignity with the use of curtains between beds, locks to bathroom and toilet doors and the sensitive nature with which staff provided care to patients.

Patients we spoke with were all positive and complimentary regarding their care. Patients told us they were well looked after and made positive comments about the staff. We saw staff were kind and demonstrated patience and empathy towards those they cared for.

The hospital appeared clean, tidy, free from odours and hygienic.

Patients were safeguarded against abuse by the policies, procedures, staff training and staff recruitment that was in place.

Staff attended regular training to ensure they were competent in their roles and up to date with relevant legislation. We noted that staff did not receive formal supervision, which meant the registered provider had not reviewed the working practices of each member of staff in a formal and structured manner. Staff told us supervision happened as and when, and informally.