The provider runs a variety of services from Clacton Hospital. During this inspection we looked specifically at the provider’s services for older people to follow up on information we had received about the service about the premises, complaints handling and the general care and treatment people received.

We spoke with five patients and one relative during our inspection. One patient and their relative told us that the hospital was short of staff and it meant that they had waited up to 30 minutes for their call bell to be answered, especially at staff handover times. They said they found the hospital to be very clean. Another patient said that staff “do their best”, and that they had “no complaints”. However, they said that the call bell can take a long time to be answered.

The other three people we spoke with said that their care had been very good and that they had been treated well. They said they enjoyed their meals and received the support they needed. They found the hospital to be very clean and staff to be very helpful.

We found that information for people using the service was good and that people were respected and involved in their care. We found that the hospital was clean and that good infection control practices were in place. Complaints and estates and facilities were being properly managed. However, people were not always receiving care that met their individual needs and in line with their identified care pathways.

During our inspection we spoke to five people who used the service, two relatives of people and six members of staff.

We found that before people received any care or treatment they were asked for their consent and the provider acted in accordance with their wishes. One person we spoke with said, “I couldn’t be more pleased, they are very caring and couldn’t really do anything better.”

Care and treatment was planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure people’s safety and welfare and there were arrangements in place to deal with foreseeable emergencies.

Medicines were kept safely and prescribed and given to people appropriately.

At the time of our inspection we found there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff to meet people’s needs. We also saw that staff received appropriate professional development. One member of staff said, “I like that it’s a small hospital and I always get help if I ask for it.”

People who used the service, their representatives and staff were asked for their views about their care and treatment. The provider took account of complaints and comments to improve the service.

One member of staff we spoke with said, “I have been here a long time and there have been lots of changes, mostly for the good, and we can only hope that will continue.”

People with whom we spoke confirmed that they were satisfied with the treatment and care provided by staff. People also reported that they felt happy in the hospital and if they required any assistance staff would respond promptly.

Visitors with whom we spoke were positive about the treatment and care provided by staff and they felt able to approach staff with any concerns that they may have around the care provided to their relative or friend and were confident that staff would address these immediately whenever possible. They also told us that the wards were always clean and tidy and that if any issues were identified staff responded in a prompt manner.

People with whom we spoke told us that the hospital was always clean and that the staff worked hard to keep the wards clean.