- NHS hospital
Newark Hospital
Assessment report published 7 April 2026
Contents
Ratings - End of life care
Our view of the service
We carried out this comprehensive inspection on 25 and 26 November 2025. The inspection was undertaken due to the length of time since the previous inspection of the service, which had been carried out using our previous inspection methodology. At this inspection, we assessed all quality statements in all key questions under our Single Assessment Framework (SAF). We rated this service good overall.
The inspection team included a lead inspector, a second inspector and a specialist advisor with expertise in palliative and end of life care. We spoke with 19 staff, 3 patients, 6 relatives checked 7 patient records and 12 Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment (ReSPECT) forms.
We interviewed a range of staff including chaplains, mortuary staff, end of life care team members, allied health professionals, nurses and a ward manager.
We also observed staff, care and treatment and reviewed the trust’s performance data.
We inspected Sconce Ward as this was where EOLC patients are admitted to within the hospital service. The ward had enough staff to care for patients and keep them safe. Staff had training in key skills, understood how to protect patients from abuse, and managed safety well. The service-controlled infection risk well. Staff assessed risks to patients, acted on them and kept good care records. They managed medicines well. The service managed safety incidents well and learned lessons from them.
People were active partners in the assessments of their needs. Managers monitored the effectiveness of the service and made sure staff were competent. Staff worked well together for the benefit of patients, supported them to make decisions about their care, and had access to good information.
Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, took account of their individual needs, and helped them understand their conditions. They provided emotional support to patients, families and care givers.
The service planned and provided care in a way that met the needs of local people, and the communities served. It also worked with others in the wider system and local organisations to plan care.
Staff talked with patients, families and care givers in a way they could understand and ensured they were full partners in their treatment and care.
Leaders ran services well using reliable information systems and supported staff to develop their skills. Staff understood the service’s vision and values, and how to apply them in their work. Staff felt respected, supported and valued. They were focused on the needs of patients receiving care. Staff were clear about their roles and accountabilities.
However, not all ReSPECT orders were completed correctly. The trust did not provide a consultant led daily ward round seven days per week. However, patients and staff could access support 24 hours a day using out of hours escalation processes.
People's experience of this service
Peoples’ experience
Patients and relatives told us the service operated a caring and responsive service that maximised their independence and wellbeing. They said there were enough staff, and the ward environment was clean, safe, warm and welcoming.
Patients said staff worked in partnership with other teams to meet their needs and pain relief was given when needed. Patients described staff as caring and compassionate and there were enough staff to attend to their needs.