A hospital ward in Wales has been instructed to make significant improvements following safety concerns that were brought to light during a recent inspection. The Bryngolau Ward, which is operated by Hywel Dda University Health Board at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli, was subject to an unannounced visit by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW). The inspection revealed various areas that require immediate attention to enhance the safety of patients and visitors.
Specialising in mental health care and services for older adults, the Bryngolau Ward faced issues such as unsecured fire doors, clutter near fire exits, and broken handrails during the inspection. While some of these concerns were addressed promptly, HIW stressed the need for stronger governance procedures to identify and manage risks effectively. The report highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive review of audit and risk management procedures to better safeguard patients.
One of the key observations made by inspectors was the lack of detailed documentation regarding ligature risks despite the existence of an in-date ligature point audit process. This underscored the importance of thorough risk assessment to maintain patient safety. Additionally, there were discrepancies in recording restraint incidents, with a need for improved record-keeping to ensure accountability among staff involved in such incidents.
Although the staff at the ward were commended for their compassionate and respectful treatment of patients, HIW recommended the implementation of a structured programme of therapeutic activities to support patients’ well-being and rehabilitation. Environmental enhancements, including repositioning sensory boards and improving garden accessibility, were also advised to create a more conducive therapeutic setting.
Training compliance was a mixed bag, with a high rate of completion for Basic Life Support (BLS) training but a significant gap in Immediate Life Support (ILS) training. Urgent action was urged to address this training deficit and ensure all staff receive and complete mandatory training. Issues such as improper storage of oxygen cylinders, infection prevention and control lapses, and gaps in medication record-keeping were also noted during the inspection.
Moreover, concerns were raised regarding communication, senior management visibility on the ward, and staff morale. The shortage of staff members and overreliance on agency and bank staff posed challenges in maintaining appropriate staffing levels and skill sets. HIW outlined a series of recommendations to address these issues and pledged ongoing monitoring of the health board’s progress in implementing the required improvements.
In response to the inspection findings, Chief Executive of Healthcare Inspectorate Wales Alun Jones emphasised the critical need for immediate improvements to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals at the Bryngolau Ward. Collaborative efforts with the health board are underway to address governance, staffing, and environmental concerns to deliver safe and effective care. The recommendations put forth aim to bolster staff support, enhance governance, and cultivate a safe and therapeutic environment for all stakeholders involved.
The stringent inspection serves as a catalyst for positive change within the healthcare facility, underscoring the importance of maintaining high standards of patient care and safety. As the health board works towards implementing the necessary improvements, the collective endeavour towards creating a secure and nurturing environment for patients, staff, and visitors remains at the forefront of healthcare initiatives in Wales.