Nightingale Hospital

At the time of the inspection patients spoke very positively about the care and support from the staff team. They described staff as kind, empathetic and flexible, going the extra mile to support them as individuals. Some went so far as to describe the support they had received as ‘life saving.’ Patients did describe a small number of bank/agency staff members who did not work with them in a supportive way, especially during meal supervision. They were aware of steps taken by management to improve staff induction training. Patients said that if they had any concerns, they could speak with the ward manager who was very helpful in solving any problems they had. As recommended at the previous inspection, patients reported that there had been an improvement in staff respecting their privacy as much as possible, including knocking and waiting for a response before entering their bedrooms. As recommended at the previous inspection of the service, there were posters making patients and visitors aware of the use of CCTV in communal areas. Carers were invited to ward rounds and other relevant meetings about their relatives’ care if patients gave permission. A family and friend support group was held approximately weekly, including eating disorder specific topics such as being an effective carer, understanding needs, a medical perspective, communicating effectively, and practical skills. One carer was grateful that they had been able to continue attending the sessions for carers after their relative had decided to leave the programme and found this very helpful. Warm and positive relationships were demonstrated between patients and staff members. Patients told us that there was a very full programme of activities available to them during the week, although there were fewer activities at weekends. Some felt that there were not enough activities that met the needs of all patients at weekends, and we relayed this to management who reported that they were introducing more opportunities for activities outside of the unit at weekends. Whilst not all patients saw their named nurses regularly, they said that they were able to speak to a member of staff individually whenever they wanted to, and that this worked well. Patients noted that sometimes they received contradictory information and advice from therapists and nursing staff. At staff handovers and other multidisciplinary meetings, staff discussed patients’ individual needs in sufficient detail to ensure that they provided holistic support. Patients confirmed that they were supported to maintain relationships and networks outside of the hospital and they had regular contact with their friends and family. Weekly community meetings were held on the ward, during which patients could raise any concerns, or suggestions they had about the service. We saw evidence that actions were taken forward and addressed following these meetings including addressing some staff interventions perceived to be unhelpful. Patients said that there were currently enough staff on shift to meet patients’ immediate needs, but staff noted that there had been a time period towards the end of 2023 and early 2024 when patients’ high level of needs on the ward had been difficult to meet. They said that management had worked to support them during this time. Staff described good team working and a positive atmosphere at the service which had improved the atmosphere for patients also.