People told us what it was like to be a patient on the rehabilitation ward at Kidderminster Hospital. They described how they were treated by staff and their involvement in making choices about their care. They also told us about the quality and choice of food and drink available. This was because this inspection was part of a themed inspection programme to assess whether older people in hospitals were treated with dignity and respect and whether their nutritional needs were met.

The inspection team was led by a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspector joined by a second CQC inspector, practising professional and an expert by experience, who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of service.

Kidderminster Hospital has a number of outpatient facilities where people attend to receive care and treatment without admission to hospital. We identified that there were two inpatient wards one of which could accommodate up to 17 patients. During our inspection visit we spoke with four patients, made some general observations, spoke with four staff and looked at six patient’s medical and care records.

Some patients that we spoke with told us that they were well aware of why they had to be in hospital. One patient said that staff explained any medical intervention or treatment to them and we also observed this happening with another patient during our inspection visit.

Patients that we spoke with told us they were happy with the quality of care and treatment received. Comments made by patients about the care provided by staff included,” All very good’’ and staff were, “Brilliant’’.

Some patients that we spoke with told us that staff treated them with respect. One patient said that staff were, “Always respectful”.

We observed lunch being served to patients during our inspection visit. Staff were seen to offer patients choices of meal options, checked whether they had had enough to eat and supported patients with their meals where needed at their own pace. Many of the patients we spoke with told us that they were happy with the meals provided. They said, “Finest” that they had, “Ever tasted in any hospital, that there was, “Plenty of food, always a good choice” and “We are always offered seconds.”