A regional review of Yeovil District Hospital has praised the strong leadership and commitment the Trust has in ensuring the needs of dementia patients are met.
The report said:
“The organisation demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to improving the care of patients with dementia.”
The review team were impressed that patient stories are regularly presented at Board meetings and that directors regularly conduct quality and safety ‘walkabouts’ to observe practice. They also said they were heartened when one key member of the nursing team on a ward described the senior leadership drive to improve dementia care as “inspirational.”
The report gives numerous examples of patient centred care, and strong clinical leadership including a real commitment to ensure patients are not moved late at night and the good links which the Emergency Department is developing with care homes. Volunteers were praised for making a significant difference to a patient’s stay and influencing changes in practice and inspectors acknowledged the considerable work that has taken place in relation to end of life care for those with dementia.
Music and art was also recognised as being very much part of the hospital environment which benefits dementia patients and the team was pleased with plans for improvements to the building which will benefit dementia patients. The location of the PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison) service at the main entrance was considered to be an excellent location and this was supported by lengthy opening times.
Associate Director of Nursing, Jo Ryan said:
“Yeovil District Hospital has a very strong commitment to improving care for patients with dementia and we are delighted by the feedback we received from the inspection team. However the team acknowledged our concerns that more activities should be introduced to the wards and we are working on this. Ideas being considered include reminiscence tables with scrapbooks, memory boxes, knitting, jigsaws and books with local old photographs.”
Note for editors:
- The report was feedback from a review of implementing the South West Hospital Standards in Dementia Care
- The Peer Review Site Visit was carried out in November 2011.
- For further information please contact Head of Communications, Debbie Pugh-Jones on 01935 384233.