"1) The whole ethos - the emphasis ..."

What I liked

1) The whole ethos - the emphasis is on as much health as possible, not on illness. If you can be rehabilitated, they really do rehabilitate you. It is very pleasant, which helps greatly (individual rooms, easy access to gardens, birdsong, good facilities).

2) Staff work as a team - they communicate with each other and with the patient.

3) Carers are welcomed and (with the patient) made part of the decision-making about the patient's care. They are kept informed.

4) Discharge procedures are excellent, meeting all Dept of Health standards.

Through close family members I have had experience in the last 2 years of 2 other rehabilitation units in the Hampshire/Dorset region. This is by far the best. Thanks to St Leonards, my relative (mid-eighties) is now flourishing at home, even after 6 months in hospital wards. [Spring/summer, 2007]

What could be improved

Nothing I was aware of! Please, Dorset PCT and St Leonards management - do your best to spread your good practice to units in other nearby areas...