Enter and View Report Ward 5, Queen Elizabeth Hospital

This report presents findings from observational visits and interviews conducted on Ward 5, a 22-bed paediatric ward that includes the Tiger Unit for children and young people requiring isolation or specialist care. The review highlights the ward’s strengths in delivering person-centred, compassionate care within a well-maintained and child-friendly environment. Families consistently described a culture of kindness, attentiveness, and professionalism, with both nursing staff and student nurses praised for their communication, empathy, and responsiveness.

Children and families reported feeling safe and supported, with play specialists forming an important role in promoting emotional wellbeing. The ward’s physical environment, including the playroom, family room, and flexible dining options, was also seen as supportive of comfort, normality, and routine during hospital stays.

Most families felt well-informed and involved in their child’s care, describing good communication from staff. However, some gaps were noted in the timeliness and clarity of updates following investigations and around discharge planning. These communication delays, though not widespread, caused distress for some families and indicate a need for more consistent information-sharing processes.

Staff described a strong commitment to high-quality care but identified challenges linked to staffing pressures, particularly during nights or busy periods. Unplanned absences and rising patient acuity were seen to impact capacity and emotional resilience, with some staff concerned about their ability to maintain the same quality of interaction under strain.

While the ward provides a high standard of care, several opportunities for improvement were identified, including clearer communication, better visibility of information on rights and support (such as Martha’s Rule and translation services), and action to address the sustainability of staffing levels.