Executive Summary: Ladywell Unit, Enter and View Report

In addition to our individual Enter & View reports on Wharton and Powell wards, we have created a joint report on the Ladywell Unit as a whole. In doing so, we are able to compare the women’s and men’s wards as well as look at the overall themes in which the Ladywell Unit has both excelled at and can improve. 

General Themes:

Environment and Cleanliness

• Most patients agreed that the facilities were maintained and clean, with the exception of communal bathrooms in the Powell Ward
• Powell Ward had calming décor and general ambiance
• Wharton Ward had mixed reviews on the décor, one saying it was calming, while another found it to provide little warmth or therapeutic feel.

Information and Communication

• Both wards displayed a variety of information; however, more awareness surrounding materials on advocacy requested. 

Patient Involvement

• Powell Ward have weekly feedback meetings in which patients can raise issues to staff and management.
• Wharton Ward has implemented weekly community meetings; however, they have not taken place recently.

Carers

• We were unable to interview carers and family/friends in person, as the visiting hours did not line up with our visit.

Staffing

• Staffing shortages have raised concerns among patients and staff alike, mainly that some patients with more demands require more attention from staff, resulting in lack of aid for other patients. 

Recommendations:

Wharton ward

• If remodelling in the future, engage with staff and service users for designing a more welcoming and calming environment.
• Enhancing staffing at ‘peak’ times, mainly meals and visiting hours

Powell ward

• Including ‘advocacy service’ as an agenda item at upcoming community meeting.
• Staff should introduce themselves to patients while conducting their routine duties

Both

• Periodically review information and materials on public display
• Emphasize advocacy materials and information so that patients are able to easily request and understand advocacy available to them. 

For a full detailed report on the Ladywell Unit, please use the download links below.