Archived: Bradwell 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. There was evidence that people had been involved in the setting of assessed care plans, confirmed with a relatives comment: "When mum was transferred we were asked a lot of questions regarding mum's needs, and we asked a few about the hospital, it was conducted with sensitivity and proved to be a pleasant and helpful exchange', mum told us: 'The information I received was very informative and helpful'.

We were given a good deal of opinion regarding the care given on the wards. Comments we received from people who use the service told us: "It's comfortable and feels safe, there is always someone to help when I need them", and "Very friendly, all staff very good, professional expertise, excellent dignity, skin care, food, very willing to adapt for you, great care".

Comments we received from relatives we spoke with: "Dad's health has improved since he was admitted to Oak ward, he is very pleased with the way things are going, and very well looked after", "They care well for my Nan, and we are always keen to help when they are extremely busy. We visit at different times of the day, and there is always someone on hand to speak to. My Nan is lucky as we visit her every day, and I know some unfortunate people have no visitors, but the staff speak to them and take time with them".

People interviewed confirmed that that the quantity and quality food provided was generally good. Comments we received in the course of inspection: "It is friendly and a bit of a surprise, there is a good variety of food", "It's comfortable, the meals are good, which are replaced with something else if you don't want to eat it. There is always someone to help when I need them", and "Good variety of meals for residents with menus on the dining tables".

We asked everyone we met about the standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the hospital. The people spoken to generally remarked that they find the environment always very clean and fresh.

Comment received in the course of inspection: "I have been very impressed. The hospital achieves a high standard of cleanliness", "The staff always try to make the ward very clean and tidy at all times, and I know how difficult it can be" and 'I've been on a lot of wards in my time and I must say Sycamore ward is the best for cleanliness and hygiene, everything gets seen to as soon as it is used, very impressed'

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.

The people we met readily offered their opinion on the staff they had encountered at Bradwell hospital. Comments we have received from people using the service, visitors and staff members: "The caring sensitivity is the most apparent, but the most important is the attitude of people who work and run it. It's a change to see people who manage and the caring manner they talk to people", "The staff make a big effort, they work hard and really care for us. No one is perfect, I am not perfect and they are really good",

"The staff are lovely people, very kind and very helpful', and from those staff we spoke with:' Since my time at Bradwell hospital I have received a lot of support and guidance from the management and nursing staff. I was teamed up with another staff member until I felt fully competent to work alone", and "Training opportunities and professional updates ensure nurses are up to date on latest evidence based practice, and staffing levels are good".

We asked people if they knew how to make a complaint, and if they felt the service was lacking in any way. 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: "Generally very happy with my short stay, the only concerns I've have had have been very minor ones, which have always been resolved satisfactorily", "I put forward concerns to the sister if I do not agree to something, but everything is always sorted out amicably. I rarely have cause to complain".