CQC success on dignity and nutrition for Kingston Hospital

The regulator checked two “essential standards” of care during an inspection on two wards –Keats and Kennet– at the trust’s Kingston Hospital on 23 March.

Inspectors – including a practising nurse – observed how people were being cared for, talked with patients, talked with staff, and checked records.

The standards assessed were:

• People should be treated with respect, involved in discussions about their care and treatment and able to influence how the service is run
• Food and drink should meet people’s individual dietary needs

It concluded that overall the Kingston Hospital was meeting both essential standards.

In its report, the regulator said: “People who use the service are treated with respect. They are able to make informed choices and are involved in planning their care and treatment. The trust has procedures for gathering the views of people who use the service and takes action in response to comments they make.”

It added: “People who use the service are able to make informed choices about food and drinks. Special diets are catered for. Their individual nutritional needs are assessed and monitored. People are given the support they require to make sure they have a balanced diet and an enjoyable dining experience.

“The trust has demonstrated a commitment to monitoring and improving the quality of food for everyone and has valued patient feedback.”

The regulator visited 100 hospitals as part of its programme of inspections on older patients’ treatment and is currently publishing them in batches, of which this is the fourth.