Archived: Walton Community Hospital

During this inspection we did not speak to patients. We spoke with people at our previous inspection who told us they were happy with the care they received.

We spoke with the matron in charge; the lead for scheduled care; and the matron on Hersham ward.

We found that although the refurbishment programme had not started quotes had been prepared and it was confirmed that the start date would be confirmed by NHS Property Services. We did observe that although the wards were still in need of decoration and flooring, the areas we looked at were clean and tidy.

Patients that we spoke with told us that staff gained consent from them before they provided any care and treatment. Staff that we spoke with gave us examples of how they gained consent and the process of seeking advice from their managers if they felt the patient was unable to give consent.

We saw that staff supported patients to eat their meals and records were made of patients' food and fluid intake when needed. The patients that we spoke with told us that they enjoyed the food. One patient told us 'The food is very good.'

During our inspection we saw that the wards were regularly cleaned by staff. We found that staff had an understanding of infection controls and why they were necessary. However some areas of the wards, where the walls had not been painted for a while, looked grubby and stained. We also found that not all staff had received up to date training in infection controls.

There were processes in place that related to the safe and secure handling of medicines on the wards. We found that there were up to date policies that related to controlled drugs (for example Morphin) and their secure storage.

We spoke with three staff and the hospital matron. We visited two wards and looked at eight care records and other documentation. We made observations throughout our visit.

From survey results and talking with people, most people said that they were treated with respect and dignity. People told us 'Staff are very good' and 'They always respect you.' However, two people raised concerns about the attitude of some staff, which the Trust responded to immediately and confirmed actions they had taken introduce more training and supervision.

Most people felt they were involved in their care plan and spoke positively about care that they had received. We were told by one patient 'I feel informed' in relation to their care plan. Another patient said 'They always tell me what they are doing.'

We saw that staff received regular safeguarding training and staff were supported with regular appraisal and training. Development opportunities were in place, including an innovative scheme to support people with memory problems.

There were systems in place to ensure patient quality and safety. We saw that outpatients were able to rate their visit, however, complaint information was not always given to patients, so they may not have known how to complain if they needed to.