HOSPITALS looking after elderly people in Chester and Wirral met all essential standards on dignity and nutrition according to a report.
The Care Quality Commission found only half the 12 English hospitals it reviewed were meeting the standards as set down in the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
But the Countess of Chester Hospital, Wirral University Teaching Hospital and the Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology were among the other six given a clean bill of health.
The review found the Countess was compliant when it came to respecting and involving patients in their care.
It stated: “All of the patients we talked to said their needs were met. They said that the staff were very helpful and responded to call bells promptly, although one said ‘they can be a bit delayed if they’re busy’. Another patient said ‘most of the staff are very kind, but sometimes you get the odd one who may be abrupt’.”
Patients said staff explained their condition to them and they were encouraged to take part in drawing up their care plan.
“We noted that staff smiled and made eye contact with patients and were sensitive to their needs,” added the report.
However, one patient asked a staff member if his chair could be moved to the other side of the bed to make it easier for him to get out of bed. The health worker said they would ‘have to ask’ but didn’t come back.
Another male patient was left bare-chested after an electrocardiograph and was struggling to put is pyjama top back on by himself.
On nutrition, patients told reviewers the food was good and they got enough. The housekeeper told reviewers she had training in nutrition, including the importance of positioning, taking your time and providing the right equipment.
