We did not speak to people who used this service as part of this review.

We spent time on three wards areas including an acute stroke unit, a medical ward and the assessment suite where patients had been admitted as emergency cases.

Overall we spoke with 17 patients and 14 staff of varying designations.

Patients told us how they felt able to approach the staff including the ward sisters who were available at visiting times to talk with them and their families. They also provided positive feedback about the ways doctors addressed them and spoke with them at the bedside. Their comments included, “The staff have introduced themselves and told me their names when they’ve been talking to me”; “Staff have checked that it’s ok before they’ve done anything. They are very polite”.

They also told us about how they felt involved in their care and treatment. Their comments included, “Nothing is too much trouble, without exception the staff are kind, patient and attentive when I need help”; “The nurses and doctors have included my family in what has been happening to me and have always listened to our questions and views”; and, “They regularly discuss my discharge plans with me and know what I will be able to do for myself”.

All of the patients who we spoke with were complimentary about, and satisfied with, the care and treatment they received. Comments included, “My care is spot on – I can’t find a fault, all of the staff are really good”; and, “Nothing is too much bother for the staff”.

Patients described how their care was delivered in a way that ensured their safety and well being. For example, “I asked one of the nurses for some pain relief and they brought it to me quickly”.

We received mixed feedback from patients on the assessment suite unit regarding the meal provision which they told us consisted of sandwiches, bread and jam or biscuits.

Patients described how they felt safe and said they would speak to the ward manager or staff if they were ever unhappy about anything.

Other comments included, “I’ve no concerns over staff attitude, they’ve all been lovely to me and very patient” and, “The staff attitude towards me has been fantastic”.

Patients told us that they felt confident about the knowledge and abilities of the staff. Their comments included, "The staff can answer my questions”; "I find the staff are capable and skilled”; and, “The staff understand what my needs are”.

We did not speak to people who used this service as part of this review. We looked at a random sample of medical records. This was to check that current practice ensured that no treatment for the termination of pregnancy was commenced unless two certificated opinions from doctors had been obtained.

Our rating of services stayed the same. We rated them as outstanding because:

• People were truly respected and valued as individuals and were empowered as partners in their care, practically and emotionally, by an exceptional and distinctive service. Staff went the extra mile to support their patients. Emotional and spiritual support for patients and their families was second to none. Patients told us the care they received exceeded all expectations.
• Services were tailored to meet the needs of individual people and were delivered in a way to ensure flexibility, choice and continuity of care. Care and treatment were holistically planned in collaboration with patients, making them active partners in their care at all levels.
• We saw evidence of strong, innovative multidisciplinary and multiorganisational working. There was a robust strategic plan in place which demonstrated how the hospital worked with other organisations to ensure care was planned and delivered to meet the needs of patients in a sustainable, future proof way.
• Specialist knowledge and expertise was readily accessible. Staff were proactively supported to acquire new skills and share best practice. Research and quality improvement were embedded in practice. All staff were actively engaged in monitoring and improving quality and outcomes for patients.
• The leadership, governance and culture were used to drive and improve the delivery of high-quality person-centred care. Leaders set stretching, innovative objectives and conducted in depth analysis and planning as to how they would be achieved.
• Staff were empowered to suggest and deliver changes and were encouraged to be innovative. Staff told us they felt strongly supported and invested in by leadership.