STAFF at Wiltshire Health and Care, which provides countywide adult community services were praised for outstanding practice including the leadership of specialist community teams and innovative practices in their latest 'good' rated CQC report.

The health watchdog made scheduled and announced visits across the services, which are based on a number of sites, including six community hospital, four inpatient wards and Chippenham and Trowbridge minor injury units, for the report which was published on October 9.

Patients waiting for a referral were often seen within the national target of 18 weeks and staff being respectful and understanding about the needs of their patients were only a number of positive comments highlighted by the report.

Carol Bode, chair of Wiltshire Health and Care, said: “I am delighted with the outcome of the CQC investigation, which accurately reflects the high standards of care that we deliver. We have a clear vision and strategy for the future and this review confirms that we are heading in the right direction.”

In Trowbridge, staff at the minor injury unit was praised for their use of 'distraction boxes' for children while staff at Warminster Hospital's Longleat ward commended for designing dementia reminiscence therapy software which helped enhance staff engagement with dementia patients and to help reduce their anxiety and stress.

Back in North Wiltshire, Chippenham Hospital's Mulberry Stroke ward was praised for allowing patients to have a say in planning their stroke rehabilitation and the report also highlighted comments about the "outstanding commitment" to patients in the inpatient ward in Savernake Hospital.

Douglas Blair, managing director of Wiltshire Health and Care, added: “This is a real achievement, especially as we are a relatively new partnership. I am particularly pleased that inspectors heard consistently good feedback from patients and carers.

"This is a reflection of the commitment and care shown by all our teams. This inspection gives us a strong foundation to build on, as we continue to deliver improved services.”

Although the report is overwhelmingly positive, Wiltshire Health and Care has been asked to improve its staffing levels due to a high turnover of staff and to address administrative issues regarding confidentiality and dignity on minor injury units.