Archived: Leek Moorlands Hospital

People said that they were generally happy with the quality and arrangements of care, and the staff who presented care.

We spoke with a number of people regarding their involvement and being kept informed of assessed care plans. The general response was that they were happy with the way staff kept them informed, and the thoroughness of their admission, confirmed with a relative's comment: "The nurse covered every point of mum's care and what she needed to do about planning to go home when the time is right'. One gentleman told us: 'People have been kind and understanding, its hard when you're a bit deaf, but I have been kept up to date'. There was evidence that people had been involved in the agreeing to a course of planned care, and that people had given written consent for nurses to share information with other professional groups. A lady on ward one told us: 'When I came in the nurse asked me if it was all right to share my medical records with other professional people, who will be able to help me, and I signed a form when I agreed'.

During the course of the inspection people told us of the good quality of care, how good it was to have a local hospital, and general satisfaction. Comments we received from people who use the service told us: "I have been here for many weeks and will be leaving soon, I have received good honest care from good people", and "My sisters are here today, we know the staff who live in Leek, and I must say its been a good experience. Very friendly staff, good doctors, no complaints".

People interviewed confirmed that that the quantity and quality food provided was generally good. We observed people enjoying a luncheon, with most people in the dining area. Comments we received were: "Good choice today, and a nice meal, generally we get a good variety", "The meals are good, I've only been here two days and the difference from the other hospital is much better, and the staff are here to help us'. People generally remarked that they find the environment to be clean and fresh. We received several comments in the course of inspection, from visitors and people using the services: "It's good to see the local hospital keeping high standards of housekeeping and tidiness'; 'The hospital has a high standard of cleanliness".

We talked to a number of patients on the wards we visited, who confirmed that they received their medication when they needed it, and did not have any concerns. They told us of a confident and open relationship with the nursing staff, who were generally able to explain and clarify medicine issues with people.

In the course of this review we spoke with many people who use the service, visitors and staff. In our conversations we addressed the issue of complaints. Most people were very complimentary on overall care and service. There were a few minor concerns expressed, which generally focused on the food, lack of staff numbers, and lack of stimulus during the day. All knew how to make a complaint if necessary.

We received numerous comments from people using the service, visitors and staff members, each keen to express an opinion about the quality and quantity of staffing at Leek Moorlands Hospital: "It feels like the old cottage hospital of the past, very friendly and attentive, but also very good at their job", "The staff always try their best, often under very trying circumstances, and really care for us", "All the staff I've met are very kind and very helpful, there are sometimes when I have to wait for help, but not that often'

Staff we spoke with told us:" As a staff nurse I have found the work at Leek to hold high principles of standards delivered in a fashion to meet personal needs of people. Over the past two years I have seen a much greater emphasis on person centred care from the old continuing care task related model, with very good results' and "I have enjoyed my work here immensely, great satisfaction to meeting care needs rather than the pressure of acute services, It's good to be able to consider rehabilitation, especially for the elderly, as a priority. Training opportunities ensure we are up to date, and staffing levels are good".