17 July 2012
During a themed inspection looking at Dignity and Nutrition
People told us what it was like to be treated as an in patient at this hospital and described how they were treated by staff and their involvement in making choices about their care and treatment. They also told us about the quality and choice of food and drink available. This was because this inspection was part of a themed inspection programme to assess whether older people receiving care and treatment in NHS hospitals are treated with dignity and respect and whether their nutritional needs are met. We did therefore not look at any of the out patient clinics or facilities on this occasion.
The inspection team was led by a CQC inspector joined by a practicing professional. We spent time on the three small ward areas for in patients, talking to patients, observing care and support and talking with staff working on that day.
Some of the patients who used the service at the Tyrrell hospital had dementia and therefore not all were not able to tell us about their experiences. We used the Short
Observational Framework for Inspection (SOFI). SOFI is a specific way of observing care to help us understand the experience of people who could not talk with us.
Patients were very positive about how staff had supported them during their stay. Comments included 'All the staff are very good here, you could not wish for better.' 'staff are rushed sometimes, but I understand that. Staff show a lot of kindness and respect to patients here. It's not an easy job.' 'The service is number one, spot on. They treat people very well here.'
We observed staff interacting and supporting patients in a kind and respectful way. We saw that staff had a good skill mix and experience to understand the needs of patients in their care.
We heard that there was a reasonable choice and range of meal available and that where support or monitoring of patients nutritional needs was needed, this was appropriately managed.