Inspectors’ praise for field hospitals
TWO of Hywel Dda University Health Board’s field hospitals have been highly praised by Health Inspectorate Wales in a recent report.
The two extra capacity sites – Ysbyty Enfys Carreg Las at the Bluestone resort in Pembrokeshire, and Ysbyty Enfys Selwyn Samuel in Llanelli – were visited by a team in October, the first time HIW has inspected such settings.
The inspection examined how the risks to patients’ health, safety and wellbeing are being managed in these sites.
Inspectors found appropriate processes were in place to provide safe and effective care to patients.
The report’s summary stated: “We found evidence of extensive planning by the service in preparation for the provision of safe and effective care to patients within unique environments.
“The transformation of both sites into clinical wards was well considered. We saw evidence of good leadership and staff who were engaged and passionate in their roles.”
Dr Meinir Jones, Hywel Dda UHB’S associate medical director and clinical lead for the field hospitals, said: “This is excellent news and, more importantly, a testament to the incredible work of our team.
“I’m very proud of what has been achieved at both sites, which are receiving patients to help relieve pressure on the acute hospitals.
“The field hospitals give us the flexibility to move patients out of hospitals after they have been assessed as no longer needing medical input but still require some care before being discharged.”
HIW’S interim chief executive, Alun Jones, said: “During the pandemic we have adapted our approach to inspection and assurance in recognition of the pressure that healthcare settings have been working under and the administrative burden that inspection can place on a setting.
“I’m pleased we have been able to safely inspect two field hospitals ahead of the winter period and quickly provide reflections on what we found.”