Queen Victoria Hospital passes CQC dignity inspection

The regulator checked two “essential standards” of care at two wards – Jubilee and Margaret Duncombe – on 5 April. Inspectors observed how people were being cared for, talked with seven people who use services, talked with 10 members of staff, checked the provider’s records, and looked at records of people who use services.

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 Queen Victoria Hospital was meeting both essential standards.

In its report, the regulator said: “During our visit we spoke with people who said that they felt supported by the staff to receive the care they need. They told us that every effort is made by the staff to help them maintain their mobility, independence and regain confidence to help them live independently when they are discharged.”

Throughout the visit we observed staff talked politely, respectfully and treating patients with dignity.”

The report added: “During our visit we saw lunch being served both the dining area and within the wards. Staff told us that they encouraged people to eat in the dining room whenever possible to help regain mobility and sociability.

“We asked people on each ward what they thought of the food, and they all reported that it was good.”

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.