Deeside Hospital: Significant failings identified following investigation.
An investigation into nursing care at Deeside hospital launched in August 2013 following the reporting of ‘two serious untoward incidents’ has found ‘significant failings’ in patient care’
The Two Serious Untoward Incidents related to elderly patient care at the Hospital and both were reported to the Welsh Government.
North Wales Police, Health Care Inspectorate Wales and Flintshire Social Services were involved in the investigation, and at the time staff were removed from patient care duties as it was deemed inappropriate for them to remain on duty.
Since the initial report Matron Dianne Rimmer has taken over management responsibility for the whole hospital, and a new charge nurse was recruited.
A number of other measures have been implemented on the back of recommendations.
Betsi Cadwaladr’s Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Patient Services Angela Hopkins chaired the review panel in February , her report says;
During the review panel significant failings relating to the care provided to both patients were identified. Assurance was provided to the panel Chair on the improved safety metrics, patient outcomes and feedback from patients and carers following the events in June 2013. A further serious incident was notified to WG in March 2014.
An experienced Charge Nurse has also been temporarily recruited to assist with the day to day running of the hospital site. The Lead Nurse is also undertaking regular walkabouts and reviews at the site and the Senior Nurse Governance and Quality has been working with staff to embed a primary patient safety focus in their practice.
Since March there have been no new on the spot or formal concerns registered in relation to the Deeside site. The safety metrics for the site have also shown significant improvement with key infection control metrics for March showing an overall compliance of 100% with no key scores below 95%.
Regular staff meetings are now being held to ensure staff are supported and these are focused on patient safety and satisfaction. The site has now implemented the majority of the recommendations contained within the Serious Untoward Incident report and Matron Rimmer is in the process of producing an action plan for the long term monitoring and compliance of the recommendations.
The staff at the site are passionate about continuing to provide compassionate, patient focused care and are eager to show the improvements that they have made and continue to make.
