We carried out this inspection to follow up areas of non compliance found during our inspection on 22 August 2012.

On this inspection we found patients were very positive and complimentary about the service provided, one patient told us, “I can’t speak highly enough of the care, it’s been fantastic” and another patient said, “All the staff without exception have been very kind and caring”. Patients told us their rights to privacy, dignity and independence were upheld and respected and they had a good relationship with the staff.

Patients were involved in the development and review of their care plans and had signed their plans to indicate their participation and agreement. All patients spoken with were familiar with their plan of care.

Patients had ready access to a number of records including their plan, which was stored at the end of each bed. Other medical records and ongoing progress notes were kept in trolleys on the wards. We found the sample of records looked at were well organised and up to date.

People told us what it was like to be a patient in Pendle Community Hospital. They described how they were treated by staff and their involvement in making choices about their care. They also told us about the quality and choice of food and drink available. This was because this inspection was part of a themed inspection programme to assess whether older people in hospitals were treated with dignity and respect and whether their nutritional needs were met.

The inspection team was led by a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspector joined by a practising professional and an Expert by Experience, who has personal experience of using, or caring for someone who uses this type of service.

Patients using the service told us they were satisfied with the care and treatment they received at Pendle Community Hospital. One patient told us, “I can’t fault anything and I have no concerns or worries” another patient said “They’re okay and they’re looking after me”.

We found patients experienced some good care and treatment. However we observed some practices which did not effectively promote patients’ dignity, consultation and involvement.

Patients told us they liked the variety and quantity of the meals provided at Pendle Community Hospital. We found the catering arrangements offered a variety of meals and choices. Patient’s individual food preferences were catered for as far as possible. Eating and drinking sufficient amounts was encouraged and promoted. Consideration was being given to individual nutritional needs and specific dietary requirements.

Patients told us they felt safe and comfortable in the hospital. Although some patients spoken with were uncertain what they would do if they were worried or concerned about anything, we found there were notices displayed throughout the wards on how to make a complaint.

We found there were sufficient staff on the wards to respond to the patients’ needs. Patients told us the staff treated them well.

We found some of the written records on the wards did not always support and promote good care practices.