Report of the David Allison, Chief Executive, Wirral University Teaching Hospital in response to Members requests for information regarding loading and waiting times of ambulant patients and disabled toilet facilities

In response to previous requests from Members, Mr D.Allison, Chief Executive, Wirral University Teaching Hospital presented a report in relation to the waiting times of ambulant patients and disabled toilet facilities at the hospital. 

Mr Allison indicated that it was vital that ambulances were not excessively delayed at hospitals, as the sooner they were able to discharge patients into the hospital’s care the better ambulance response times could be. The steps required were, ambulance arrival at hospital; paramedics to take the patient into initial assessment in the A&E department; clinical handover to take place and the patient transferred to the care of A&E staff; the ambulance crew then clean/prepare the ambulance for the next patient, take any breaks/visits to the toilet and when ready, radio in for another assignment

Ambulance waiting times were often expressed as the time from 1 to 4 as this was the most straightforward data to measure. On this basis in the first quarter of the year WUTH had an average turnaround of 28.2 minutes – a slight improvement on last year’s average. For quarter one, within the North West, 17 hospitals had a better turnaround time than WUTH, while 15 had a worst performance. However, it was very important to note that hospitals can only influence steps 1 to 3 – the time it took for ambulances to declare themselves ready within step 4 is outside of the hospital’s control.

Mr Allison indicated that he had met with the North West Ambulance service to discuss turnaround times for July, who confirmed that the hospitals average turnaround time for steps 1 to 3 was 14.7 minutes against a national target of 15 minutes. At the request of the hospital, data was to be produced on a monthly basis and to ensure that appropriate steps were taken to ensure that the national target is delivered and ambulances were not delayed by our A&E department.

In relation to disabled toilet facilities, Mr Allison indicated that the Trust took its responsibility to provide suitable facilities for staff, patients and visitors who have disabilities very seriously. The Trust had a Disabled Access Champion who had undergone formal training and qualification in assessing and providing accessible environments.

All new capital developments and refurbishments of existing facilities at both hospital sites were reviewed at design stage by the Disabled Access Champion to ensure full compliance with all relevant legislation, NHS guidance and good practice. For the more major capital schemes, such as those being undertaken as part of our Site Strategy, it was the responsibility of the appointed architect to ensure the design was compliant with legislation.

Arrowe Park Hospital had four accessible toilets located in the main building; ground floor at the entrance to main Outpatient Department near main entrance; the main building, ground floor - Emergency Department adjacent to Majors area; ground floor opposite Clinical Skills Centre and in the Womens & Childrens building, ground floor, off the main entrance waiting area. Clatterbridge Hospital had one accessible toilet located in the main entrance waiting area. In relation to the specific issue of accessible toilet facilities for visitors and the public, following a recent review, one additional accessible toilet had been provided on the Arrowe Park Hospital site, opened July 2012, which brought the total number of accessible toilets for visitors to five across the two sites as indicated.

Resolved - That Mr Allison be thanked for his update in response to Members queries.