When we conducted the inspection we looked at two of the services provided by Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust at The Johnson Community Hospital. We inspected the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) and Welland Ward, a 32 bed in-patient ward that included four palliative care beds in an area known as the Tulip Suite.

We used a variety of methods to capture patients’ experiences and assess the quality of the services provided. These included talking with patients and staff, looking at records and at information we had requested from the Trust. We also reviewed information we had received from other sources. On the day of our visit we toured the ward and MIU and observed the interactions between staff and patients.

We found that the environment was very clean, bright and modern. Staff were friendly and professional and were keen to assist patients and visitors.

Patients told us they were well cared for and felt safe. They said they had sufficient food and drink to meet their needs and food was of good quality.

Records showed that patient’s needs had been assessed and their care and support tailored to their individual needs.

The Trust had in place suitable policies for ensuring there were sufficient numbers of suitably trained and experienced staff to meet patient needs.

We found that the Trust had responded positively and decisively to issues they had identified as potentially posing a risk to patients on Welland Ward, with the aim of providing continuing high quality care for patients.

We judged that although staff received good quality training appropriate to their role, they were not always supported by way of regular management supervision and annual appraisal.