Enter and View Report: Ward 14 (Gastro) University Hospital North Durham

Recommendations

• One of the most conveyed messages from the patients/families on the day, was how happy they were with the food/refreshments available. Comments relating to amount, regularity, palatability according to medical need, including a family member and choice were all noted. It is relevant to mention that some patients we spoke to were regularly in and out of hospital for ongoing care, therefore had seen an improvement in Food, on the ward. Clearly important to patients because of the high response
• Many people suggested that there was “really good flexibility and understanding staff” on this ward. People talked about the importance of being listened to especially around pain management and staff trying to accommodate individual need and preferences of patients. As there are different age ranges and both male and female on this ward, patients felt that staff related to this aspect very well indeed
•  Both patients, visitors and ourselves noted that although staff were busy at all times and very engaged in their work, they still managed to socially interact in a positive way with patients. Staff behaviours and culture is clearly to be celebrated and retained here
• There were comments about assistance with getting rest on the ward, for example the wearing of earplugs, taking sleeping tablets or the possibility of more night staff but it seems that patients still struggle to rest, especially during the night-time on the ward. Whilst Patients clearly had an understanding of how difficult it must be to manage the ward, where any improvement for this issue could be made, this would be welcomed
• We were told that there is good, mental health awareness and therefore, support on the ward. One particular patient referenced that a staff member makes a point of regularly reminding that she is available to chat, in order to discuss how the patient is, at any time. This resulted in the patient feeling secure in the ward, “makes a huge difference to me”
• Clearly patients will feel more at ease where they understand that they can talk in confidence and that they are able to ‘off load’ sometimes to someone at short notice, if need be. In a busy medical ward this is such a valuable way of working especially as it is apparent that sometimes medical attention is as a result of poor mental health, initially. This should be promoted