"I was initially admitted with ..."

Thank you for your kind feedback about the standard of care you received during your stay at Macclesfield Hospital. The Trust is very pleased to hear that you found the atmosphere on Ward 1 relaxed and professional, and that staff were able to put you and your visitors at ease.

East Cheshire NHS Trust is committed to producing patient health information of a high standard that complies with national recommendations, and we were disappointed to hear that you did not get the information you needed. The consultant you saw was alerting you to possible complications but should have explained your treatment plan as well. We take part in a National Adult Inpatient Survey every year, and we are currently in the middle of an A&E National Patient Survey. These surveys ask a lot of questions about communication and information, and the results should help us to identify what we need to improve. In the meantime, your comments have been passed on to the A&E matron and the manager of Ward 1. Our ward managers take a keen interest in patient information and raise any issues that we pass on with all of their staff.

The Trust has purchased a system of patient information leaflets produced by EIDO Healthcare. The leaflets cover many of the major procedures and operations and are used to help with the consent process. They have been produced by consultants, are evidence-based and referenced, and are updated every six months. All leaflets produced by the Trust are reviewed by our Health Information Advisory Group. Some leaflets are also reviewed by our Readers’ Panel, which is made up of members of the public. If you would like to be part of the Readers’ Panel or to sit on the Health Information Advisory Group please contact the Patient & Public Involvement Department on freephone 0800 195 4194.

The hospital menu aims to cater for all dietary needs. A range of low fat dishes are available and are indicated on the menu by a smiley face symbol. There is a statement on the menu which says that if you have any special dietary needs, please speak to your nurse or the person collecting the menu card. The catering team do visit patients in situations like yours to discuss diet and menus. We are very sorry that you were not made aware of this.