Inspectors have ordered “immediate improvement” at a Welsh hospital following an unannounced visit earlier this year, highlighting various areas requiring urgent action to enhance patient safety. The inspection, conducted over three days at the University Hospital Llandough in Cardiff, focused on the Crisis Assessment Unit of Cedar Ward and the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit of Alder Ward.
Issues were identified concerning the restraining of patients, including inaccurate incident recording and the involvement of untrained staff. Maintenance problems such as swollen floors impeding fire door closure and trip hazards were also flagged. Additionally, concerns were raised about the lack of diversity in healthcare expertise on the wards, with recommendations made to broaden the range of disciplines for patient care to align with national standards.
Despite these challenges, inspectors acknowledged the dedication of staff in treating patients with respect and kindness, though instances of staff failing to respond to patient needs were observed. To address this, inspectors suggested the installation of emergency assistance call points throughout the ward. An excessive turnover of staff and a reliance on agency staff were also noted, along with the absence of staff meetings on one of the wards.
Alun Jones, chief executive of Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, emphasised the need for immediate improvements to enhance care quality and patient safety. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board expressed openness to feedback and indicated progress in addressing the identified concerns, including completed recommendations and a comprehensive improvement plan in place.
The Health Board assured the public of its commitment to ensuring patient welfare, safety, and quality of care, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance staff training, cultural competencies, and service delivery. Patients at Hafan y Coed Mental Health Unit have individual care plans with risk assessments, emergency assistance call points, and dignified restraint practices in place.
The report commended the enthusiasm and compassion of mental health services staff in patient care delivery, while emphasising continuous collaboration with service users to enhance service provision. Service users and families were encouraged to raise concerns with the dedicated team for prompt resolution.
Overall, the inspection outcomes underscore the importance of continuous improvement and adherence to national standards in healthcare delivery, with a focus on patient safety, staff training, and service quality at the forefront of the Health Board’s agenda.