Enter and View: Thistle Ward, Newham Hospital
This was an announced Enter and View (E&V) visit as part of a planned strategy to assess the quality of oral hygiene and personal care for elderly patients at Newham Hospital.
Summary
The aim of this visit was to evaluate oral hygiene and personal care standards, highlight areas of good practice, and provide recommendations for improvement. Oral health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, and inadequate care can contribute to serious health issues such as pneumonia and poor nutrition.
During our visit, we spoke with six patients, observed staff interactions, and gathered feedback on oral hygiene support, availability of hygiene products, and the quality of personal care provided.
Key Findings
- Patients generally received assistance with brushing their teeth, but support was inconsistent, particularly after meals.
- Some patients receiving tube feeding required additional oral hygiene support to prevent plaque buildup.
- The availability of oral hygiene products, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, varied, with some patients relying on family members for supplies.
- Staff were aware of the importance of oral care but faced challenges in providing consistent support due to workload pressures.
- Personal care, including help with bathing and grooming, was provided regularly, though some patients expressed a desire for more frequent assistance.
- The hospital adheres to NHS guidelines for patient dignity, but some patients felt that personal care could be delivered more promptly.
Recommendations
- Ensure oral hygiene support is provided consistently, particularly after meals and for patients who require extra assistance.
- Improve stock management to ensure a consistent supply of oral hygiene products for all patients from the first day of admission.
- Increase staff training on oral hygiene care, particularly for patients with special needs, such as those who are tube-fed.
- Encourage staff to proactively ask patients about their personal care needs to ensure timely assistance.
- Maintain clear communication with patients and families regarding the availability of hygiene products and personal care services.
- Continue to monitor and improve patient experience regarding personal care to uphold high standards of dignity and comfort.
