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Health and safety concern

Posted By millimeterbp38

"Health and safety concern"

About: Pershore Hospital

(as a relative),

My father is a patient here at Pershore hospital, he is very confused but likes to wander around a lot, doing several laps around the whole hospital, which he is allowed to do unsupervised. My concern is that there are two ovens stationed in the corridor outside the the dining room which are left unattended after use and throughout the day the ovens go on and off and the hot plates get extremely hot until they cool down. (I know I have touched one) My concern is that on visiting times when I have been visiting my father I have walked around with him and felt the extreme heat from these hot plates and have now several times had to pull him away from the ovens as he tries to lean on them for support as we are passing by. My concern is that he will burn himself or someone else will hurt themselves and as I'm only allowed to visit after 2pm I can't be there to watch him after lunchtime. Is this not a health and safety concern to anyone? I have complained to staff who have said the ovens were moved from a safe ventilated space in the dining room that could be closed off to patients easily and it was a decision made by the Matron and nothing could be done even after concerns had been raised by several staff members about near misses and even one dementia patient actually opening the oven door while red hot food was cooking! Can someone please look into this as a matter of urgency before someone gets hurt. Thank you.

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Responses

Response from Helen Jones, Administrator, Patient and Public Engagement, Experience and Participation Team, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust last month
We are preparing to make a change
Helen Jones
Administrator, Patient and Public Engagement, Experience and Participation Team,
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

Submitted on 18/09/2025 at 14:12
Published on Care Opinion at 14:54

picture of Helen Jones

Dear millimeterbp38,

Thank you for bringing this important concern to our attention. We understand your worries about the safety of your father and other patients, especially with the hot plates in the corridor. Please accept our sincere apologies for any distress this situation may have caused.

First and foremost, patient safety is our top priority. We take all health and safety concerns very seriously and recognize the potential risks, particularly for vulnerable individuals, including those with dementia who might be more prone to wandering or confusion.

We've thoroughly investigated this issue and completed several risk assessments. Rest assured, we are taking action. As part of upcoming kitchen renovations, the hot plate will be relocated to a safer area once the work is completed. We’ve carefully reviewed this decision with our safety and estates teams, and placing the hot plate near the nurses' station was intended to allow better monitoring by staff to avoid any incidents.

Additionally, we will reinforce communication and safety procedures with both staff and visitors to help minimize these risks moving forward.

Your feedback is incredibly valuable, and we appreciate your patience as we work to resolve this matter. If you have any further concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the Ward Manager.

Thank you again for your vigilance in helping us maintain a safe environment for all patients. We hope your father continues to receive the best care possible during his time with us.

Ward Manager - Pershore Hospital

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