People told us that they were happy with the way that staff were caring for them. We spoke with nine patients during our visit. People told us that staff treated them with respect and that they were involved in decisions about their care. We saw that people had a timetable of the treatments and therapies that they would be having. People told us that they appreciated this as it enabled them to plan their day. One person told us "I cannot fault the staff here and I have no complaints. My family are kept informed and are involved in planning for me to be discharged. I have a weekly timetable which is easy to read and I can see what I am doing. The staff have been good in discussing my needs and care. I know all that is happening'. People told us that they were provided with good information both about their condition and the treatment options available to them. We saw leaflets and information in the outpatients department, communal and ward areas. People told us that they understood the information that was given to them and that staff take time to ensure that they understood it. One person told us "All the information sent to me was very useful. I feel that I have been included in discussions when medical staff and others have seen me. I have been told when my therapy appointments are and there is a list on the corridor wall to check this'.
There are no mixed sex wards at the RNHRD with the exception of the High Dependency Unit where men and women are afforded some privacy within single sex bays.
Patients said that the consultants and the specialist teams at the hospital were 'very good' and 'the best I've ever had'. We were told that the staff listen to patients and take time to understand them. A relative told us "We have been supported by the staff and feel care is person centred and inclusive. Staff have been teaching us how to provide support which has been helpful when we have our son staying at home." Another relative said "Without this hospital my relative would not have been able to maintain their independence and would have a very low quality of life."
We observed staff members taking with people in a calm, professional and respectful manner.
We reviewed the care records for six people who were inpatients during our visit.
Care plans were seen to be person centred and contained clear guidance for staff on the patients needs and any actions to take in the event of a change in their condition. They recorded both long term and short term goals in the recovery period.
At least two care plans did not have clear review dates and did not have a record that they had been regularly reviewed for any changes. We raised this with the nursing staff who agreed that it was not clear when the care plan was due for review.
People who use the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases may not be safeguarded against abuse. This is due to a lack of staff training and understanding in this area.
Staff have the skills and competencies to meet the needs of people who use the hospital but not all staff have reviewed or updated their mandatory training.
Staff feel well supported but not all staff receive regular supervision or appraisals.
The Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases has a number of different ways of assessing and monitoring the service that it delivers. This includes regular staff meetings, questionnaires and surveys of patients and staff, and audits of practice and procedures.