Kingston Hospital Emergency Department: Enter and View Report
We carried out 6 visits to the Emergency Department and spoke to 124 patients.
We are so thankful to the patients and their loved ones who spoke to us in moments of vulnerability. We are thankful to Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust for being open to this project and transparent about the issues they are facing. We are also thankful to all Healthwatch Richmond's volunteers who gave up their time to help give patients a voice. We hope that this report offers some insights and solutions to improve patient experiences of urgent and emergency care.
Recommendations
Our recommendations included:
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Share positive feedback with staff
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Improve cleanliness of bathrooms and have prompt rubbish removal
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Improve food and drink provision throughout the Emergency Department.
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Improve night times by providing patients in Majors and corridors with eye masks, ear plugs and bedding.
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Improve signposting so that patients can better navigate the space.
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Ensure that a member of staff is always present within the entrance of the ED.
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Include a display of how patients can raise alarm in case of an emergency.
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Ensure that there is a way for patients to check into the SDEC without having to return to the main reception.
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Improve security of the SDEC when it is closed.
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We ask for a review of why patients are asked to repeatedly attend the SDEC.
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Improve the patient environment in Majors to make it calmer and more reassuring.
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Provide an action plan to detail how KRFT plans to reduce the use of corridor care.
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Provide an action plan for how the provision of improved care in corridors.
