"What I think about Ward B50 'Service User Carer Experience Survey'"

We understand that patients need to get off the ward to spend time with family and friends and in the fresh air. Sometimes leave is limited as risks have to be taken into account. These decisions are often made in ward reviews with the consultant and patient.

After admission, leave may be limited, but as time goes on and things improve, leave may become more available meaning family and friends can escort their loved ones off the ward or they may be able to have unescorted leave.

Perhaps this area needs further discussion and awareness raised by staff with friends and family, so that they can talk in more detail about the time off ward with their loved ones.

Staff do try and support escorted leaves, but our time is often taken up by the care needs of the ward patient group. With the recent changes to Occupational therapy and Physio services hours being reduced this has added to the problem. Unfortunately our Activity Coordinator has recently resigned so escorted leaves have been further reduced.

With this in mind other avenues are being looked at by the ward manager to see what role volunteers may play to facilitate trips out. We have made contact with our voluntary services in the Trust to express an interest in establishing voluntary roles to ease the situation.

Thank you for your feedback, it is really good to hear that Ward B50 had such a positive impact on your health!

Helen Forrester

Manager Ward B50