A group established to stre-ngthen the voice of patients has returned a mainly positive verdict on an Airedale Hospital ward.

Healthwatch Bradford and District representatives paid a short visit to ward one.

The group’s chief executive, Andrew Jones, emphasised this had not been an inspection, and was only a snapshot of the work that goes on in this part of Airedale.

Reporting back to Airedale NHS Foundation Trust’s board, he said: “Overall, the feedback we received from our three representatives was very positive, though, inevitably, there were some issues.

“This isn’t just about looking for problems – if people say to us the service is brilliant, then it’s also about sharing that best practice.”

He highlighted the importance of being able to communicate with patients who might not have English as their first language, noting people with dementia often revert to their first language.

He added further feedback indicated patients and carers did not always know who they could speak to about a particular healthcare issue, and it was not always easy for them to explain problems to busy members of staff.

However, Mr Jones said they appreciated the flexible approach to visiting times, and described the ward’s staff as committed and caring.