14th October 2011 - statement re Care Quality Commission report

Rob Dearden, Director of Nursing at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust says: “We acknowledge the findings of the Care Quality Commission report.  We are pleased to be recognised as a hospital which is fully compliant with regard to both dignity and nutrition for older people.  The report on Airedale Hospital says, ‘The staff we spoke to had an understanding of the importance of respecting and involving people who use the Trust’s services.’

“Everyone admitted to Airedale Hospital deserves to be treated as an individual and it is very important to us that our patients and their families are treated with dignity and compassion at all times.  It is often the little things that make the biggest difference to patients and their families and we will continue to listen to their feedback and concerns so that we can constantly improve our care and services.”

Background

A team from the Care Quality Commission carried out a review of Airedale Hospital on 13 April 2011, during an unannounced visit, as part of a national inspection programme of NHS hospitals to asses how well older people were treated during their stay in hospital. The focus was on whether they were treated with dignity and respect and whether their nutritional needs were being met. Most of the patients that were spoken to by the team were very positive about their experiences of care.  They said:

• they were kept informed and were involved in making decisions about their care and treatment options
• all staff were pleasant and respectful, they felt listened to and their needs were dealt with in a timely manner
• the quality of food overall was good and staff were always on hand to help them if they needed it
• staff always checked if they had enough to eat and often second helpings were offered.