> Actually the latest sitrep standards weasel out of
> most of this. Standards for "observation" areas don't
> have to adhere to the strict standards for ward areas
> - lockers, privacy, toilet & washing facilities,
> chairs for visitors etc. Trust are encouraged to
> discuss such areas with the health authority and CHC
> to get agreement on whether a particular area is
> acceptable. The teeth have gone out of this one to a
> large extent.
I'm a little more hopeful about this. On a technical note, I believe CHCs go
out this month to be replaced by patient fora as the patient representative
body- for your purpose these could actually be more useful. Build links with
your local patient forum (I've done this with the CHC in the past and it can
be very helpful- also they tend to be surprised and grateful if you take the
initiative) and involve them in discussions as to strategic direction
including policies on appropriate areas for patients requiring stays beyond
4 hours. Clearly the question of whether a trolley in A and E counts as a
bed is well within their remit. If this lacks an appropriate level of
privacy and comfort, I think they'd be the best people to take this
forwards.
It remains to be seen exactly how effective patient fora will be, but
they'll at least be a useful ally with appropriate political connections.
Matt Dunn
Warwick
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