Southport and Formby DGH passes CQC tests

The regulator checked two “essential standards” of care during an inspection of two wards – 9A and 9B – at the trust’s Southport and Formby District General Hospital on 26 April 2011.

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 overall that Southport and Formby District General Hospital had passed the CQC standards for dignity and nutrition.

In its report, the regulator said: “We found patients had a good knowledge of their individual care and treatment. Patients told us the staff were respectful and did their best to make their stay as comfortable as possible.

“We feel that people are generally safe but we found some inconsistency in respect of standards of dignity afforded to patients who are vulnerable and have complex care needs. This area would benefit from further scrutiny, so that people are assured of good standards of dignity at all times.”

It added: “Staff provided support to patients to eat and drink. They were attentive, caring and unhurried in their approach. Although compliant, care records would benefit from being more detailed where a risk has been identified. This will help to support people with their nutrition.”

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.