GWENT hospital wards for heart patients and people undergoing day surgery - and the staff who work in them - have been praised by health watchdogs.

The 12-bed D3 West, a cardiology ward at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, and Rhymney Ward, a surgical day unit at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr in Ystrad Mynach, were subject to unannounced dignity and essential care inspections last January.

Inspectors from the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) spent two days in D3 West speaking to patients and observing staff performing their duties.

A report on the inspection states that patients said they had been "very satisfied" with the quality of the care they received, and with the staff, but were concerned that there were not enough toilet and washing facilities.

The latter meant that all patients wanting to use bathrooms in a timely way had to wake up early, which impacted on rest and sleep, while the limited number of toilets reduced patients' choice around their toilet needs.

Staff, the report concluded, were "respectful, compassionate and dedicated" to upholding patients' dignity.

Patients were considered to be "well looked after" and staff "committed to providing high standards of care."

Among the recommendations were the introduction of 'in use' signs for bathrooms, as there were occasions when inspectors saw patients' dignity being "unintentionally compromised."

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board was also asked to consider making the ward "as accessible as possible for patients with confusion and complex or sensory needs."

Twenty recommendations were made by HIW, covering the above matters and issues such as the limited toilet and bathroom facilities, ensuring enough meals are available for patients, and preventing delays in obtaining pressure mattresses.

On Rhymney Ward at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr, the overall standard of care and the manner of staff were found to be "very good" with patients "very complimentary" of all aspects of their time in hospital.

The 26-bed ward specialises in orthopaedics, gynaecology, urology and general surgery, with doctors directing patients' post-operative needs, and nurses guiding their care through to discharge.

Despite minor areas for improvement, innovation and good practice were witnessed.

Verbal and written information was highlighted as strong, and planning and documentation "reflected the good standards of care given on the ward."

Inspectors observed nursing care being provided with "compassion and empathy" and patients they spoke to told them they were comfortable and pain free.

HIW made six recommendations following the inspection, covering issues such as auditing patient documentation, use of a pain management scale on the ward, and administration of controlled drugs.