Archived: Cheadle Hospital

We saw that people were treated kindly and that there were good interactions between carers and the people receiving care. People said that they were generally happy with the quality and arrangements of care, and the staff who presented care

During the review we spoke with a number of people using the service regarding their involvement and being kept informed of assessed care plans. The general response was that they were happy with the way they were kept informed, and the thoroughness of their admission. There was appreciation for the transparent involvement in their care with a multi-disciplinary team. A daughter visiting at the time of inspection told us: "When we were told that dad would be transferred to Cheadle hospital we were delighted. His admission was straightforward with a full assessment undertaken. Staff are very helpful and keep us all up to date, and has carried on for the past week of his stay'. One gentleman told us: 'Everyone has been very helpful and they tell me everything I need to know, including arranging care for when I go home'. 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.

People told us of the good quality of care they have experienced during their stay at Cheadle hospital, general satisfaction with their 'local hospital', and its services. Some comments we received from people who use the service told us: "The ward staff and the therapists have looked after me well, and it's good to see a local doctor involved", and "It's a lot busier since the last time I was here, so much going on. There are a lot of staff sorting things out for when I go home, but the care I get is very good indeed, from everyone".

Those people we talked with confirmed 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'.

The people spoken to generally remarked that they find the environment to be clean and tidy. We spoke with a variety of people using and visiting the service, each indicating their approval of a good standard of cleanliness throughout Cheadle Hospital.

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 lack of staff numbers, being bored at times with insufficient stimulus during the day. Some comment we had received in the course of inspection stated: "Sometimes there isn't enough staff to attend to me, they are always busy, but generally pleased", "I don't like being on my own, and need to have someone with me all the time, but the staff are so busy. It would be nice to have a chat now and then', and 'I have one or two niggles but the sister has sorted things out very well".

In the process of review and site visits we spoke with a number of people about standards of care and services at Cheadle Hospital. Amongst the discussions there were numerous references made about the staff they have met and have had dealings with. The great majority of comments were extremely complimentary, concerning staff attitudes and professionalism. Comments we have received from people using the service, visitors and staff members included: "The way that the staff talk to me and deal with my problems is marvellous. That a little hospital had such people is amazing. The doctors and all the staff have been great", "Nothing has been too much trouble, even when they have been very busy, there's just not enough of them", The staff we spoke with told us:' It very pleasing to work in the rehabilitation side of nursing, with such positive outcomes. Our training and supervision is consistent and very helpful, good hospital to work in".