Enter and View: Geriatric Medicine Dept Ward A8, New Cross Hospital

Healthwatch Wolverhampton receive feedback on a range of services and treatments received at New Cross Hospital. This was an unannounced Enter and View visit which was conducted in response to concerns Healthwatch Wolverhampton had received in respect to services received at the Geriatric Medicine Department Ward A8. These were around staffing levels, the communication and treatment of patients.

Summary of Findings

Ward A8 is a male ward with 28 beds. The ward has 4 Bays and with a number of side rooms. At the time of this Enter and View visit there were 2 side rooms with the ‘barrier nursing’. One patient in the side room had just passed away. Noted:

• Inadequate spacing between the patient’s beds and privacy was an issue when talking to patients and their visitors.
• There appeared to be insufficient staffing levels on the ward. Given the physical distance of the bays and the higher risk of falls for older patients and those with dementia, this issue needs addressing. There are 14 patients supported by one nurse.
• Insufficient supply of medicine available i.e. Morphine.
• Lack of patient engagement and stimulating activities in the ward, apart from the TVS in the bays.
• Shortage of staff trained in BSL who are able communicate effectively with Deaf patients, relatives and carers.
• Insufficient care planning from other health and social care professionals, i.e. no physio input; lack of social worker input.

This report was produced by the previous Healthwatch Wolverhampton service provider, Engaging Communities Solutions CIC.