Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) today publishes a report following an unannounced Dignity and Essential Care inspection at Prince Charles Hospital.
The Inspection was undertaken on 29 and 30 October 2012. The units visited were the Accident and Emergency Unit and Acute Assessment Area.

Overall we witnessed numerous occasions where the interactions between staff and patients were good. Generally staff were kind and compassionate.

However our visit highlighted a number of concerns which included the length of time patients were being kept on trolleys on the units and the staffing levels and skills mix on the units given the dependency of the patients. Also, issues were raised around the lack of awareness demonstrated by some staff in relation to the need for discretion in communication. There were a few occasions where staff were overheard giving patients sensitive information about their condition in public areas.

HIW Chief Executive, Kate Chamberlain said:

"These inspections capture a ‘snapshot’ of the care received by patients. They have been designed to assess fundamental aspects of care such as dignity and care planning. We have received an action plan from Cwm Taf Health Board which addresses the issues we have highlighted."

Cwm Taf Health Board Unannounced Dignity and Essential Care Inspection - 29 and 30 October 2012

http://www.hiw.org.uk/docopen.cfm?orgid=477&id=209452

Cwm Taf Health Board Unannounced Dignity and Essential Care Inspection - 29 and 30 October 2012 - Press Release

http://www.hiw.org.uk/docopen.cfm?orgid=477&id=209453

Cwm Taf Health Board Unannounced Dignity and Essential Care Inspection - 29 and 30
October 2012 - Health Board Press Release

http://www.hiw.org.uk/docopen.cfm?orgid=477&id=209454

Source: Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW)