Archived: Claremont Hospital

Patients told us that the treatment they had received was their choice and they were not pressurised into making any decisions that they did not agree to. Patients said that they expressed their views and were able to be involved in making decisions.

Treatment was planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure patients' safety and welfare. Patients' decisions were followed up by risk assessments to ensure the treatment plan minimised the risk to patients. Doctors and nurses said, when choosing treatment all associated risks were discussed with patients before they made the final decision.

To maintain continuity staff at the hospital worked in co-operation with other outside agencies.

Patients were cared for in a clean, hygienic environment. Dedicated members of staff carried out cleaning duties. The infection control lead for the hospital encouraged staff to take ownership for maintaining good practices and promoting infection control.

Patients were cared for by staff who had been appropriately checked for their fitness before staff began work.

Patients were aware of the complaints policy. They had their comments listened to without the fear of being discriminated against for making a complaint.

Patients we spoke with were very complimentary about their experience at the hospital. One person said, 'I have been coming here off and on. They are wonderful. Staff are pleasant and the doctors are very helpful.' Another patient said,' When I came to see the consultant he said it like it was. Told me all the things which could go wrong and I was able make my own mind up. I feel smashing.'

When speaking with patients and staff we found that before people received any care or treatment they were asked for their consent and the provider acted in accordance with their wishes. The multidisciplinary staff team worked in partnership to promote transparency and good care and treatment practices.

The provider had an effective system in place to identify, assess and manage risks to the health, safety and welfare of people using the service and others. The patients confirmed that they had been asked for their views and we saw documentary evidence of audits and feedback. These had been analysed and relevant action had been taken by appropriate people.