Archived: Chestnut Ward

All patients spoken to said that they had been offered a range of treatments including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy. With regard to choices about different treatments, one patient noted ' 'you name it I've had it!'

We spoke to three visitors (to three different patients on the ward) and they spoke positively about their experience of the ward. One visitor noted 'there has been a big improvement since I last came to visit, the ward is very clean and the nurses have all been very friendly.'

One patient advised that although staff were sometimes rushed, 'they do their best, and they've done well by me.' Asked if staff listen to them, one patient noted 'yes they listen, and I push harder for the important things.' Another person noted 'they're always happy to answer questions and go through any details.' Patients advised that staff usually came within a reasonable time when they rang the buzzers for support, although this could be slower during peak times such as meal times and at night.

Most people felt that the staff listened to them, and sought their views about how their care was carried out, although some felt that staff were often in a rush and did not always make time to talk to them. Two people, who were due to be discharged, advised that they had been consulted about making a number of adaptations to their homes before their forthcoming discharge.

Two people mentioned that staff were occasionally a little heavy handed in supporting them, and this was reported to the trust as an issue to be further investigated and addressed. Some patients told us that they felt a bit isolated on the ward, with little social stimulation available to them, particularly if they did not have personal visitors, and particularly at weekends.

The majority of people felt that the food was acceptable, that choices were available and that drinks were offered to them at regular intervals. Comments included 'very good,' 'quite good - adequate portions,' 'I get what I need, I asked for a curry once and I got it,' and 'the food is ok - you can make special requests.' Others were more critical noting 'Sometimes it's good, but sometimes it tastes stale, just heated up,' and 'the food is a bit monotonous.. But you can ask for sandwiches if you don't want the main meal.'

All patients had an idea of who they could speak to if they felt at risk of harm, one person noted 'the Sister on the ward told me to come to her with any concerns I might have.' Only one of the seven people spoken to felt unsure whether their concerns would be taken seriously.

Patients spoken to confirmed that they received their medication at the prescribed times, and had had their medicines explained to them. One patient advised that they occasionally refused some of their medicines, and this was respected, although the reasons for taking them were explained to them. Another noted, that their medications were explained - sometimes 'boringly so!'

All patients spoken to rated the cleanliness on the ward highly. One person advised that the ward was 'always immaculate,' another noted 'they are always cleaning,' Patients did not have any concerns about the safety of the premises or equipment on the ward. The majority of patients remembered being asked about their views on the quality of care received on the ward, and felt that their views were listened to.