26 July 2011
During a routine inspection
Margaret Dryburgh Ward and St Bedes Unit ' provision of which provide elderly care, palliative care and care to people with long term conditions.
Saltwell Unit ' a 14 bedded unit for assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of people, normally over the age of 65 with organic brain disorders, such as dementia.
Springwell Unit ' a 10 bedded unit to care for older persons (over 65) with dementia and specialises in those people with complex needs and who exhibit challenging behaviours.
There were a number of people on these wards who were either too frail or unable to talk to us because of their mental health problems.
People who could comment spoke highly of their care and experience of being inpatients. Their comments included, 'I can't fault the staff in anyway'; 'Anything I ask for is quickly produced and the care is always good'; 'Yes I feel involved in my care and understand what my problems are'; 'I know the ward staff, the ward manager and my Consultant who I see regularly'; and, 'the majority of the staff are always lovely with me ' there's just one night person who can be a bit gripey if I have an accident in the bed'. Another person said that the staff and the food were "fantastic, I came here for two days and stayed for three weeks" and that, 'the staff maintain my dignity and anything I ask for I get'. He commented it felt like the same shift of staff all of the time because the communication between staff was so good.
We spoke with four patients on the Margaret Dryburgh ward and St Bede's unit who told us that they felt comfortable and secure within their surroundings. They referred to enjoying the pleasant communal lounge and conservatory area which opened out onto a well maintained and colourful garden.
We observed caring, discrete and attentive relationships between staff and patients on the wards visited, where staff placed high emphasis on patient's rights, dignity and choice. On the Margaret Dryburgh ward and St Bede's unit there was lively discussion and humour with patients actively involved in conversations and events taking place around them, despite people's frail conditions.