AH ANNUAL REPORT 2018

Healthwatch Sefton welcomed the opportunity to
comment on the draft version of the Trusts Quality
Account.
We have had support from Sefton Parent Carer Forum
in reviewing this account. The forum is a member of our
steering group and has over 800 members. On page
82, the Trust refers to engaging with the parent forum,
which we assume is an internal forum. Over the next
12 months, it would be great for the trust to engage in
dialogue with Sefton Parent Carer forum.
In reviewing the key priorities which were set for quality
improvements (2017/18), it was good to read the
achievements which the Trust has made in embedding
a safety culture throughout the organisation, with
incidents being reported. The work to reduce hospital
acquired infections is noted with the 46% reduction
in the number of infections since 2014/15. Despite
the account sharing a number of improvement areas
relating to action on pressure ulcers, increases in grade
2 and grade 3 pressure ulcers were seen. We would like
to see a reduction in pressure ulcers over the next 12
months.
In the work to increase engagement of children, young
people and families in improving the quality of services,
the target for the Friends and Family test was just
missed. From working with the trust over the past 12
months, we are aware that the Trust is looking at ways
to increase take up of this, particularly with community
services, in particular Child & Adolescent Mental Health
services. In addition, we felt that information relating to
this service was lacking within the account.
In the draft version of the account, on page 137 it was
very difficult to review information within the table and
therefore we were unable to review Friends and Family
data in full.
In looking at the work to co-design service
improvements with children and their families, the Trust
is innovative in its methods. However it would have
been great to have read more about how children and
families find out how to get involved in this area of work.
It was good to read about the improvements made to
outpatient services and access to booking systems. We
would be interested in finding out more about this work
as these are two areas in which we receive feedback
on, particularly for services which are not delivered on
the main Trust site.
One of the other areas which we have received
feedback on is medication. Issues relate to the
processes that are followed to get the correct
medication to families in a timely manner. There have
been difficulties for parents getting medication within
the 14 day window that is stated on all paperwork. We
have concerns about the processes that are in place
within the pharmacy to deal with repeat prescriptions
and whether they have adequate staffing in place to get
medication to families.
The inclusion of the PLACE assessments was
welcomed and the findings relating to cleanliness and
privacy and dignity. Disability had worsened but we
have been informed that the results for this are linked to
services which are still delivered on the retained estate
where some clinics are still held.
We have had meetings with the Trust over the past
12 months but they have not been as regular as in
previous years and we would welcome meetings every
three months moving forward. However during those
meetings held, we have gained useful updates on
progress made with the Equality and Diversity agenda
and we are particularly pleased to see an increase
in both quality and equality impact assessments
being undertaken. On page 129, reference is made
to signage in various languages. Is there any plan to
add visual signage for example, Makaton/Signalong/
Boardmaker for young people that require visuals to
support their reading? In reviewing information about
hospital passports/ risk assessments and reasonable
adjustments it would be good to find out how families
gain access to this to make sure they have everything in
place for their child/children.
In looking at the ward accreditation scheme ‘Journey
to the Stars’ has the trust engaged with staff to find out
how they perceive this and how it affects staff morale?
Page 140 details the work and improvements with
Learning Disabilities and Autism. We note that the
reference groups involved in this work were from
Liverpool schools only. Is there any intention to look at
the surrounding local authorities, including Sefton? In
moving forward with this work, again good contacts for
the Trust to make will be with the differing parent carer
forums across Merseyside and wider.
It is good to have sight of the priority areas for 2017/18.
We would have welcomed an invitation to the quality
summit which was held 14th May but look forward to
our work with the trust over the next 12 months.
Diane Blair
Manager
Healthwatch Sefton
Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust 149
Annual Report & Accounts 2017/18