Healthwatch Hackney visited Gardner ward in October 2023 to evaluate the quality of mental health care, focusing on patient experience, staff feedback and overall ward conditions. This report presents the findings and recommendations for improvement.
In October 2023, Healthwatch Hackney visited Gardner Ward to assess the quality of mental health care, focusing on patient experiences, staff feedback, and overall ward conditions. Interviews were conducted with 11 patients (60% of those on the ward) and 3 staff members.
Key findings highlighted concerns around safety, with some patients feeling intimidated by disruptive behaviors and theft. While most patients found the staff helpful and approachable, understaffing was noted as an issue affecting care quality and access to activities. Cultural and religious needs were generally met, but opinions on food quality and activity offerings varied. Recommendations included improving safety through secure storage, addressing staffing shortages, enhancing communication on care plans, and reviewing discharge procedures.
Healthwatch Hackney is positively engaged with the providers around the findings and recommendations in the reports. We will re-publish later in the year to include reflections and responses from East London Foundation Trust (ELFT). This approach has been taken to allow ELFT time to meaningfully consider the recommendations and properly assess what actions they may take in response to them.
Healthwatch Hackney will monitor progress on these issues through future visits and feedback.
