Blandford Community Hospital

Patients were protected from the risks of unsafe and inappropriate care as records contained accurate and sufficient information. For example, we found that each patient had an admission assessment which included information such as the reason they were admitted to hospital and their past medical history. On going care and treatment of patients was recorded. For example, we found that regular measurements such as temperature and blood pressure were recorded as required.

Patients' were treated with dignity and respect and their privacy was maintained. One patient told us, 'They are all so nice and kind. Nothing is too much trouble for them. For a hospital stay it has been very pleasant.' We saw that curtains were closed around patients' beds when they were receiving care.

Patients' needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered to meet their needs. One patient told us, 'I have been very comfortable and very well looked after.' We found that staff were aware of patients' needs and how they should be supported.

Medicines were managed safely. One patient told us, 'My medicine comes on time, they are very meticulous with that. They stay with me while I take it.' We saw that medicines were stored securely.

There were sufficient numbers of staff to meet people's needs. One patient told us, 'There is a very good workforce here. They are very good and help me a lot.' We found that staffing was monitored by senior staff daily to ensure the ward was appropriately staffed.

Patients' were not always protected from the risks of unsafe or inappropriate care as records did not always contain sufficient information. For example, patients' admission assessments were not always fully completed.

One patient told us it was 'very good' and that 'they (staff) know what you need' and one patient told us 'they (staff) do everything I need.'

We found that assessments had been carried out however there were not always care plans to detail how to meet patients' needs. The planning and delivery of care did not always meet patients' needs.

Patients had access to activities and one patient told us that they 'get to do all sorts of activities including painting.' Another patient told us that they enjoyed the activities.

Medicines were not always administered safely.

Some patients and staff told us that at times there were insufficient staff on the ward.

We found that patient's privacy, dignity and independence was not always respected on Tarrant ward or the Betty Highwood unit. Patients were offered choice about their care and treatment on Tarrant ward and the Betty Highwood unit.

One patient on Tarrant ward told us that the staff did everything they needed and another patient told us that the staff had 'looked after me well.'

We found that risk assessments and care plans were not always up to date and did not reflect patient's needs. The planning and deliver of care did not meet patient's individual needs.

We found that there were insufficient arrangements for emergency situations on the Betty Highwood unit.

Patients and staff on Tarrant ward and the Betty Highwood unit told us that they were short staffed at times. During our inspection in the evening we found that the Betty Highwood unit did not have sufficient numbers of staff. We contacted a senior manager and alerted them to our concerns regarding the unsafe staffing levels. They made immediate arrangements during our inspection to increasing the staffing on the unit and ensured staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to meet patients' needs.

Records were incomplete and were not always accurate.